Sarah Calderone

BOARDMAN - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic Church for Sarah R. Calderone, 84, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family Sunday morning after her long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Sarah was born on July 26, 1929, in Porticello, Sicily, the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Patricia (Geraci) Scalise and moved to Youngstown as a young girl.

She graduated with honors from the National Honor's Society from South High School. An excellent student with a strong mind, she was given a full scholarship to attend a teacher's college in New York, but instead chose to marry the love of her life, Armand A. Calderone on May 3, 1952. They celebrated 55 years of marriage and four children before the death of Armie on March 4, 2007.

Always a hard worker, Sarah was the owner of Armie's Electronics with her husband, and later she was the CEO of the Creative Group Video. She was also a bookkeeper for many businesses and charities. She was a devout Catholic as a member of St. Dominic Church, and was highly involved with the Dominican Laity, Cursillo, the St. Dominic's Senior Citizen Club, President of the PTA in the Youngstown City Schools, was a lector, and Eucharistic minister.

Sarah leaves two sons, Salvatore (Jill) Calderone and Joseph Calderone of Rogers; two daughters, Patrice Calderone of Rogers and Tina Marie (David Robert) Mauerman of Boardman; a granddaughter, Sarina Marie Mauerman; three grandsons, David Ryan (Kathryn) Mauerman, Curt (Jenine) Mitchell, and Chayne (Jackie) Mitchell; five great-grandchildren, Camryn, Caitlin, Cayden, and Kylee Mitchell and David John Mauerman; a sister, Esther Mineo of Boardman; a brother, Joseph (Debbie) Lagrasta Jr. of Phoenix; nephews, Sal and Joe Mineo, and Anthony Lagrasta; and nieces, Patricia Ternus, Anna Howells and Sheila Constantino; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sarah was also preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Scalise and her stepfather, Joseph Lagrasta Sr.

Beyond family, Sarah leaves behind many people whose lives she touched in her 84 years. Always willing to feed and counsel those in need, or to simply take a person into her home, Sarah's compassionate nature survives in those lucky enough to have known and loved her.

The family wishes to thank Sarah's many special friends who provided care, support and encouragement during her illness. The family would also like to thank Southern Care Hospice for their special care and compassion during her critical time.

Family and friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. The Youngstown Cursillo Movement will hold a Bible Vigil Service at the end of calling hours. There will also be calling hours on Saturday at St. Dominic Church from 9 to 9:45 a.m.