Carmela Maria "Melina" Calabro

Devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother

Melina Calabro, 91, formerly of Salamanca, passed away Monday, September 26, 2016 at the Pines Health & Rehab following lengthy illness.

Born on April 25, 1925 in Sant’Eufemia d’Aspromonte, Calabria, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Fortunata Gioffre Lombardo Pietropaolo and Domenico Pietropaolo. She was predeceased by her sister, Eufemia Lombardo, and her brother, Antonino Lombardo.

On March 20, 1950, Melina married Benny Calabro in Pompeii, Italy who predeceased her on February 21, 2001. Together, they built, owned, and operated Crist Restaurant and Central Lanes for over 50 years.

She was a parishioner of the former St. Patrick’s Church and a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, a sorority that advanced women’s educational and social causes. She was an avid bowler for most of her life and will be remembered as a talented artist.

She is survived by her son, Michael Calabro and wife Marty, of Olean, NY and granddaughters Cassidy Calabro of Denver, CO and Chelsea Calabro of Arlington, VA. Also surviving are special cousins, Vincent and Angela Oliverio and family of Salamanca, NY, and her niece Antonella of Northern Italy.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Peter Napierkowski as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Melina’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.