Lena DiDone

Lena DiDone, 89, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2019 in the comfort of her home with her loving husband by her side.

Lena was born on April 13, 1929 in Rome, NY. She was the daughter of Vito and Minnie (Deangelo) Calicchia. On June 2, 1951 Lena was united in marriage to Dominick J. DiDone in St. John the Baptist Church. Lena and Dominick were married for 68 years.

Lena was employed at the Rome Savings Bank. She later enjoyed managing the book store working as a secretary in the guidance office at the Rome Catholic High School. Lena worked at the Rome Catholic High School for twenty years before retiring in 1987. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church.

Lena was a kind and caring woman who was devoted to her family. Lena cherished spending time with her husband, her daughter and her son and her four grandchildren. She especially enjoyed playing family card games and playing bingo. Her family was the greatest joy of her life.

Lena is survived by her husband, Dominick, her daughter, Diane (Jed) Jecen of Whitesboro; her son, Dick DiDone of Cicero and her four grandchildren, Deena (Peter) Barbagallo, Scott Jecen, Danielle (James) Rowlands, and Matthew (Cristina) DiDone. Lena is also survived by her sister Selma Vinci of Binghamton, and two sisters-in-law, Jennie (Calicchia) Boczulak and Julie Calicchia, both of Rome. Lena was predeceased by two brothers, Dominick and Alfred Calicchia and her “Cummari” Gilda M. Destito.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday morning, April 9, at 10:00 in St. Peter’s Church with the Rev. Philip Hearn as celebrant. Interment will be in St John’s Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 at the church prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice in Lena’s name.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo St.