Selma Calicchia
Selma Calicchia, 91, of Rome N.Y., beloved aunt, peacefully passed away December 3, 2019 after a sudden illness. Named Maria Selma after her maternal grandmother, she was the daughter of Alio and Francesca Calicchia from Italy. Selma was highly regarded in the Rome community having helped multiple generations of families in her 30 plus years at the Rome Savings Bank. A graduate of Rome Free Academy, she studied through the American Institute of Banking. Prior to her banking career, Selma worked as an expert seamstress and sewing instructor for Singer Sewing for 15 years.
Selma had many talents and interests, including the Wednesday Morning Club, Rome Art and Community Center, Ava Dorfman, Home Bureau Club, serving on RFA high school reunion committees, and dedication to her friends and sisters through their “QQ” club. Selma enjoyed traveling, especially visiting her family in Italy. She was well-known for her love of shopping, beautiful clothing, and her passion for her many antique collections. Selma was a devout Catholic, member of St. John the Baptist Church, and a generous donor to multiple Catholic charities and missions throughout her life.
Aunt Selma was dedicated to her family and will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews, William (Ingrid) Fernandez II, Venice FL; Richard (Maureen) Fernandez, Lake Tahoe CA; Mark (Annette) Fernandez, Seattle, WA; Bonnie (Armand) Castro, Bradenton FL; Robin Fernandez, Bradenton FL; Brian (Trisha) Eldridge, Endicott, NY; Sue (Tom) Damco, VA; John Eldridge (Charlene), Niagara Falls, Canada; Richard Blaine Calicchia, Rome, NY; Sharon (Robert) Gulick, Rome, NY; Lisa Race, Rome, NY; and Mary-Carole (Christopher) Kam, Syracuse, NY; 19 great-nieces and nephews, 14 great-great nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Clayton Eldridge, Niagara Falls, Canada. She is predeceased by siblings Peter (Ruth) Calicchia, Josephine Calicchia, Richard Calicchia, Mickey Eldridge, Eda (William) Fernandez, and niece Norma Eldridge.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the supportive and wonderful staff of the Terrace at Woodland in Rome where Selma resided since March 2019. We extend the utmost gratitude to her special caregivers, especially Betty/Steve Leighton and Karen/Greg Keller, whose love, services, and devotion enabled Selma to live at home throughout her senior years.
Funeral services will be held on December 7, 2019 at 11:00am at St. John the Baptist Church in Rome, N.Y. for a Mass of Christian Burial with the Rev. Abe Esper officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family prior to the Mass for a viewing from 10:00 -11:00am at the Church. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 West Embargo Street.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Selma’s memory may be made to the Catholic charity of your choice.
