Adriana Calogero

Calogero, Adriana ALBANY Adriana Calogero, 76, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2008, as a result of Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her death. Born on October 23, 1931 in Fontech-iari, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Lorenzo and Emilia Gizzi DiCarlo. Adriana was raised in Italy, during difficult times. She would often recall how she had to leave school in the second grade so she could help her family take care of her numerous younger siblings. In 1960, she immigrated to the United States, settling in Albany. A tireless worker, she would recount how the very next day after her arrival, she went to work in a local ball factory, even though she spoke no English. On May 8, 1966, she married her husband, Charles Calogero. Together, they had two children, Michael Calogero and Lisa Calogero-Burbige (Joe). Raising her children brought her much happiness and she sacrificed to always ensure that their lives were much easier than hers. She returned to work when her children entered school, retiring from New York State several years ago. Her greatest joy occurred in 2002 when her first grandchild, Giovanni Carmelo was born. She loved being a grandmother, or "Nonna" as she was called, and helped to raise him until her illness no longer made this possible. Sadly, Alzheimer's prevented her from knowing the most recent additions to her family, her twin grandchildren, Liliana Adriana and Matteo Joseph, born just four months ago, but periodically, she responded to their presence. In addition to her husband and children, she was the devoted sister of Nancy Lucarelli of Albany, Sante DiCarlo and his wife Carmela of Colonie, Pasquale DiCarlo of Paris, France, Lucio DiCarlo of Feura Bush and the late Lisa Gizzi and Lucia DiCarlo; sister-in-law of Luigi Gizzi of Schenectady, Dante and Louise Calogero of Albany, Americo Calogero of Middletown, N.Y., Emma Jane Calogero and the late Marion DiCarlo. Many nieces, nephews and friends survive Adriana. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care of Adriana during her illness. Funeral services Monday at 10:00 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to St. Margaret Mary's Church, Albany at 10:30 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow the Mass in Evergreen Memorial Park. Those wishing to remember Adriana in a special way may send a contribution to the Alzheimer's Research Center, Mail Code 65, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208; or the Alzheimer's Association, 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany, NY 12206; or Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.