Francesco Paolo Calise

Francesco Paolo Calise

NAPA - Francesco "Frank" Paolo Calise passed away on June 17, 2024, at the age of 90. He was born on the beautiful island of Ischia, Italy in the town of Forio, to parents Marianna and Alfredo Calise.

Frank grew up with his mother and two sisters Orsola and Maria. His father was separated from the family due to World War II. They grew up having very little, but he would always say they were happy. Living only steps from the sea he grew up swimming and playing soccer on the beach with his friends. When he finished schooling, he apprenticed at a local barber shop. Looking for more opportunities at the age of 17, he embarked the ocean liner MS Vulcania and immigrated to the United States and came to Napa, where his sister Maria Simone and family lived.

A year later their mother would join them. Within three days of arriving in Napa he was employed at Ferro Glove Company on B Street and later worked as a custodian at Napa County Public Works. Frank had a strong work ethic and worked both jobs for many years. In 1967, while vacationing and visiting family in Forio he reintroduced himself to a family friend, Almerinda. They fell in love and married that same summer. They were married for 42 years and welcomed two children, daughter Anna and son Joseph.

Together they enjoyed spending time with friends and family over homemade food and wine. Frank was an amazing gardener, he enjoyed fishing, foraging for mushrooms, hunting, home winemaking and bocce ball. He was always eager to learn new things and was an avid reader and enjoyed watching documentaries. Frank also loved watching his grandchildren grow and spent time teaching them his knowledge about gardening, Italian culture, and finances.

He is survived by his children: Anna (Nelsen) and Joe (Kristen); and grandchildren: Alena, Alivia and Adler; and extended family in Napa and Ischia, Italy.

Frank was laid to rest next to Merinda at a private service at Tulocay Cemetery. Franks' family, in collaboration with the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Napa Lodge 2043, has established a scholarship fund for the 2025 graduating class. Please direct any donations in Frank's memory to the following address. Kindly note that the donation is in honor of Frank Calise. Payable to: OSDIA Napa 2043; Alan Miller, Financial Secretary c/o OSDIA Napa 2043, 101 Hillside Ave Napa, CA 94558.