Charles F. Calligaris

Charles F. Calligaris, 89, of Camillus, passed through heaven’s gates Saturday morning, July 30th where he rejoined Rose, his wife of 67 years. As a long-time contributor to his community, his church and his profession, Charles had a positive impact on many lives.

Charles spent his professional career in health care administration, having worked in nearly every major hospital in Central New York. He was instrumental in the planning and building of both Community Hospital and Plaza Nursing Home. After 30+ years in health care administration, Charles retired from Upstate Medical University in 1986.

A devout Catholic, Charles was an active member and volunteer in his home parish of St. Joseph’s in Camillus. After retirement, Charles stayed active through volunteer, board membership and consulting activities with organizations including the Syracuse Home, Geddes Savings and Loan, Tuscarora Golf Course and the Advocates for Upstate Medical for which he volunteered with his wife Rose. He and Rose always kept friends close and family closer. They organized their high school reunions for decades and opened their home to family and friends at the drop of the hat.

Born Carlo Francesco Calligaris and raised in Solvay, NY as the only surviving child of Ernesto and Maddalena (Pescio) Calligaris, Charles spoke only Italian until school age where he learned to speak English. Charles attended Syracuse University on the GI bill after serving in the Army during WWII. Charles earned his college degree and married the love of his life, Rose Molta in June of 1949. Together they raised four daughters: Rita L. Reicher, of Syracuse, Nancy J. (Michael) Carr, of Rochester, Lorene A. (James) Pedro, of Rochester and Mary Beth (Jack) Fennell, of Havelock, NC. In addition to his daughters and sons-in-laws, he is survived by 8 grandchildren, Meghan (Andrew) Bradford, Amanda Pedro, David (Megan) Carr, Aaron Fennell, Madeline Reicher, Elizabeth Carr, Nathan Fennell and Jon Reicher; 5 great grandchildren, Erin, Meredith and Thomas Bradford, Zackery Maier, Brendan Carr, and his cousin Angela (Frank) Franceschetti.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 am Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 5600 West Genesee Street, Camillus, NY. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. Family and friends may call Tuesday, August 2, 2016 from 4 to 7 pm at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Foundation for Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210.

Please offer online condolences at www.bagozzitwins.com.