Obituary of Leona C. Califano

Leona C. Califano, 94, of Daisy Lane, Schenectady and formerly a resident of Amsterdam, passed away early Saturday morning June 17, 2006 at the Baptist Retirement Health Center in Scotia. Born in Amsterdam, New York on January 17, 1912 a daughter of Emerson and Margaret Balise Elwell. She was a Graduate of Amsterdam High School and later graduated from Cornell University with a Degree in Teaching. She was employed as an elementary school Teacher for many years and began as a substitute Teacher in Amsterdam schools. She later moved to Florida and continued teaching at the Port Orange Elementary School in Port Orange Florida retiring in 1979. She moved back to the Schenectady, NY area in 1984. Mrs. Califano was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church while in Amsterdam, New York. And was a member of the National Educational Association. She married Diamond P. Califano on December 17, 1936 he passed away February 19, 1994. Survivor?s include- One daughter, Irene M. Califano of New York City, One Brother, Robert Elwell of Scotia and Nieces and Nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 8:15 A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, New York, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15 A.M. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam with Father Lawrence J. Decker as celebrant. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill, New York. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 from 4-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 39 St. John St., Amsterdam, New York 12010.