Obituary of Palma R. Calandra

Palma Rose Calandra, 71, also known as “Pam”, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at St. Luke's Hospital on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. She was born in Rome, NY on March 8, 1952, daughter of the late John and Angeline (Calandra) Campanaro. 

In her early years, she was an avid Softball player (one of the best catchers around), bowled and played Bocce for over 40 years. She worked at Jay’s Bike Shop, snow plowed, mowed lawns, and ran several restaurants located in Rome: Rome Bowling Center, Mohawk Lanes, Cinderella’s Bakery, Lake Delta Concession, and retired from her most favorite business venture, Cinderella’s Satellite Grill. She enjoyed cooking and frequenting the Casino. Pam was happiest when she was spending time with her loving husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends

On July 13, 1974, Pam married the absolute love of her life, Jasper (Jay) Calandra Jr. The two were partners in every sense of the word. Together they built a beautiful life, and raised three wonderful children; Jasper “JJ” Calandra III, Jennifer Calandra, and Joseph Calandra. More than anything else in her life, Pam’s family was the source of her greatest pride.

Pam leaves behind many loved ones to honor and cherish her extraordinary legacy: her loving and devoted husband of almost 49 years (together a total of 56 years), Jay Calandra Jr; her children; JJ Calandra (Melissa Tibbits), Jennifer Calandra and Joseph Calandra (Karrah DiMaggio), grandchildren Jasper IV, Nicholas, Giovani, and Liliana Rose, sisters-in-law Karen Calandra and Christy Colangelo Campanaro, brother-in-law Christopher Thomas, several nieces and nephews as well as a great niece and a great nephew and many cousins. Pam was predeceased by her parents, John and Angeline (Calandra) Campanaro, three brothers; John, David and Roy Campanaro, her mother and father-in-law, Jasper Calandra and Mary Calandra- Root, two sisters-in-law; Linda and Toni Calandra, and a brother-in-law Dennis Calandra. 

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at American Renal, St. Luke's Hospital, ICU Unit and Dr. Emile Wassel.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 East Dominick Street, Rome NY, on Monday April 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Entombment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pam’s name may be made to the Kevin “CUZ” Uvanni Leukemia Foundation.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com