Obituary of Helene M. Callari

Helene Callari nee Kirby, a homemaker and registered nurse died peacefully on January 23rd with two of her daughters holding her hands. She was born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. She graduated from Fontbonne Hall High School where she excelled academically, winning a full Regents scholarship to nursing school. She attended Fordham University before starting her training at Lenox Hill Nursing School. She graduated at the top of her class at the College of Staten Island where she earned her degree in Applied Science. She married the love of her life Walter in 1960 and was married for over 60 years. Helene worked at St. Vincent's Medical Center (Med-Surg Unit) as a nurse during the 1980's after having raised seven children. She was dedicated to the care of her aging parents for over twenty years. Helene was a gourmet cook, enjoyed playing classical piano, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made regular trips to Atlantic City for relaxation. She also traveled extensively with her husband during his military and business careers. Helene was an active parishioner of St. Rita's Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Helene is survived by her loving husband Walter and her seven children-William, Charles, Stephen, Thomas, Mary Granito, Anne Cordato, Helen Fitzgibbons. She is also survived by daughter-in-law, Linda and three devoted sons-in-law, Vincent, James, and Timothy. Helene's pride and joy were her sixteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Viewing will be held 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm, Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd., S.I. NY 10314. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am January 29, 2021 at St Rita Church, 281 Bradley Avenue, S.I. NY 10314. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Helene's family would like to acknowledge and thank the hospice staff at VNS of New York for their extraordinary support and care given to their mother and wife. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center PO Box 5028 Hagerstown, MD 21741-9901