Obituary of Rose Estella Calidonna

Rose Estella Calidonna, 92 and a half, passed away peacefully at home, in the same room she came into the world, on Sunday, February 21, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born July 29, 1928, the daughter of the late Vincent and Rose (Scalzo) Calidonna. Rose graduated from Clinton Central School with the Class of 1947 and looked forward to her class reunions. She also graduated from Utica School of Commerce. Rose retired from NY Telephone after 40 years as an operator and was a member of the NY Telephone Pioneers. She then became the official switchboard operator at Clinton Tractor for 20 years. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and a member of St. Mary’s Church in Clinton. Rose was the matriarch of the Calidonna family. She touched many hearts during her time and that was shown every day at Clinton Tractor. A few of her favorite things were to give little kids toy tractors when they came into the store, and drive her Ford Mustang. Her first Mustang was in 1965 and her last was in 2015 (the 50th Anniversary Edition). She loved to answer phones at the store and spend time with her family at the farm. She will be greatly missed by her beloved nieces and nephews, John Calidonna (Jodie Miller), Regina and Gabe Martini, Chris and Kathy Calidonna, and Becky and David Nackley; her great nieces and nephews, Danielle and Jason Taylor, Greg and Becky Calidonna, Kristen Calidonna (Brad Boice), Steve Calidonna (Rylee Mauro), and their mother, Barbara Calidonna, Joe and Lindsey Martini, Maria and Jed Lamont, Michael Martini (Anita Martynovich), Gina Martini, Matt Calidonna, Nick Calidonna (Heather Boyczuk), Zach Calidonna, and Willow Nackley; her Double Greats, Lexis and Sierra Taylor, Nora and Allie Calidonna, Briella and Leo Martini, Vinny and Mary Eleanor Lamont; several cousins; and many special friends, including Gert Murphy and Betty Beerhalter. The family thanks all of Rose’s special ladies who stood by her side, Peggy, Donna, Nancy, Heather, Becky, Edna, Katie, Linda, Sue and Linda. Rose was predeceased by her parents and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Dominick and Mary Calidonna, Frank and Stella Calidonna, and John and Eleanor Calidonna. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Thursday, February 25, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton. Please wear a mask, respect current social distancing guidelines and arrive in time to complete contact tracing requirements. In keeping with Rose’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours. Rose will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Rose’s memory to St. Mary’s Church, 13 Marvin St., Clinton, NY 13323.