Mary (nee Paoletti) Calabro passed away peacefully late Saturday, May 9, 2020 in the

home of her daughter Patricia Ann (nee Calabro) Crimaldi, who remained by her side.

Mary was born to Prospero and Giovanna Paoletti in South Philadelphia. She grew up

with three brothers, Victor, Fedelio (“Freddy”), and Anthony (“Tony”) and two sisters

Antionette (“Ann”) and Josephine. Anyone who knew Mary knew how much she loved

her parents and siblings. She often would reminisce about the fun times “back in the

day.” Mary graduated high school and went on to a one-year graduate program.

Following graduation she went to work for the Federal Government at the Quartermaster.

Mary married Samuel J. Calabro on May 4, 1946. Sam and Mary fell in love after

meeting and exchanging letters during World War II. After the war, they were married

and shared an amazing life together. Mary’s friends during this time in her life became

her family. She spent many evenings playing cards and speaking in Pig Latin with her

girlfriends. Until very late in her life, Mary was known to walk multiple miles a day. Her

love of being independent kept her young at heart. Mary was also a very devout

Catholic and lifelong member of St. Monica’s Parish. She had a devotion to the Blessed

Mother from the time she was a child, and she lived that devotion in her everyday life.

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Sam, her parents, and all of her siblings. She is

survived by her daughter Patricia and her husband Vincent Crimaldi. Mary is also

survived by Patti and Vince’s daughters: Deena (Kyle) Kunst, Jenna (Philip) Giordano,

and Marissa (Jacob) Whitten. Mary had a very special relationship with Patricia’s family

whom she loved “a bushel and a peck.” She was a proud grandmother and great

grandmother and showed her love in her cooking, cleaning, and storytelling. She was

known for her homemade pizzelles which she made for every special occasion and

holiday. Mary was also survived by many great grandchildren, who were the light of her

life: Viviana Marie Kunst, Lucy Nicole Giordano, Philip Vincenzo Giordano, Samuel

Orlando Giordano, and Zachary Dominic Whitten. She is survived by many nieces and

nephews. Also survived by Michael Calabro and his family.

Relatives and friends are invited to her memorial mass on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 10:00 am at

St. Monica’s Church, 2422 S.17th St., Philadelphia, PA 19145.

A prayer service will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,

501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by clicking on the link.