Obituary of Genevieve Ann Reale Calanni

Genevieve Ann Reale Calanni, 81, of 75 South Chicago Ave. West Ellicott, died at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday (September 8, 2010) in the Heritage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing. She was born in Jamestown on May 17, 1929 the daughter of the late Carmelo J. and Rosaria Foti Reale. Genevieve was employed at V&N Construction, Murphy's, Jamestown Stamp Co., Red Coach Inn and Johnny's Lunch. She was very dedicated to God and was a communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Several years ago she donated her diamond engagement ring to Bishop Fulton Sheen so it could be sold and the proceeds used for needy children. Bishop Sheen was so moved by her generosity that he devoted one hour of prayer for her in appreciation of her gift. Genevieve was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister and had a heart of gold. She loved to knit and crochet, cook, bake, play the piano and keyboard and dancing. Her son Anthony was her care giver since 1994 and she enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills and the N.Y. Yankees games with him and she especially enjoyed living with her son and daughter, Carol. Survivors include three sons Anthony J. Calanni, West Ellicott, James Calanni, Buffalo and Carl Calanni, Jamestown; two daughters Mary Elizabeth Calanni, Jamestown and Carol Proestler, West Ellicott, a granddaughter Lisa Proestler (Roger D.) Markham, four great grandchildren Kaitlyn E., David J., Roger A. and Zachary S. Markham all of Falconer, a brother Sebastian (JoAnne) Reale and a sister Mary (Vincent) Racitano, Jamestown. She was preceded in death by her husband James S. Calanni whom she married on July 7, 1951 in St. James Catholic Church and who died on January 22, 1964, a brother Paul Reale who died on June 5, 1967, a sister Carmella Reale Antonuccio who died on June 23, 2002, and a son in law David J. Proestler who died on March 2, 2004. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph M. Dowdell, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Friends will be received on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hubert Funeral Home And Cremation Services where a Christian Wake Service will be held at 1:30 p.m.. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 380 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750. The family of Genevieve would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at Heritage Park and Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing for taking such excellent care of their mother. A condolence may be sent to the family by going to www.hubertfuneralhome.com. Click here to view condolences for Genevieve Ann Reale Calanni. Website by Billie Jean Hubert