Francesco Paolo Calise

Francesco Paolo Calise
1934 - 2024
Napa Lodge 2043
By Anna Galbo Graeber

The Napa Lodge was saddened to hear about the passing of our Brother Frank, a member ofour Lodge for nearly 20 years. He was born on the beautiful island of Ischia, Italy, in the town of Forio, growing up with his mother and two sisters, Orsola and Maria. His father was separated from the family due to World War II.  Despite having very little, he always said they were happy. They lived only steps from the sea, where he swam and played soccer on the beach with his friends. After finishing school, he apprenticed at a local barber shop. Seeking more opportunities at the age of 17, he embarked on the ocean liner MS Vulcania and immigrated to the United States. He settled in Napa, where his sister Maria Simone and her family lived.

In 1967, on vacation in Forio, Frank reunited with a family friend, Almerinda. They fell in love and married that same summer. They were married for 42 years and had two children. Frank was an incredible gardener and enjoyed various activities like fishing, foraging for mushrooms, home winemaking, and playing bocce ball. He was always eager to learn new things. He loved spending time with family, and friends and teaching his grandchildren his knowledge about gardening, Italian Culture, and Finances as he watched them grow.

Franks’ family, in collaboration with the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Napa Lodge 2043, has established a scholarship fund for the 2025 graduating class. If you would like to make a donation in Frank’s memory, please send it to the following address.

Please note that the donation is in honor of Frank Calise. Make checks payable to OSDIA Napa 2043 and send them to Alan Miller, Financial Secretary c/o OSDIA Napa 2043, 101 Hillside Ave, Napa, CA 94558.