Francesco Caloiero

Francesco Caloiero, 87, of Frenchtown, formerly of Williamstown, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2019.  

Beloved husband of the late Carmela Caloiero, devoted father of Joseph (Ephrat) Caloiero, Elio Caloiero, Angela (Louis) Cerota and Rosella Caloiero, and dear brother of his late 12 brothers and sisters.  He was also adored by his grandchildren, Rennie (Mike), Joseph (Tiffany), Alyssa, Gabriella, Peter, Francesca, Michael, Jacob and Sophia, and his great-grandchildren, Madison, Mia and Austin.  

Francesco lived a full and vibrant life and was constantly on the go. Born in Italy, where he was best known by his nickname, Ciccillo.He ran a fish market and a fleet of fishing boats in Cosenza, Calabria, distributing his weekly catch to restaurants throughout Italy.  He later owned and operated his own restaurant and nightclub in Fuscaldo, Calabria.  After moving to the United States in 1969, Francesco and his wife, Carmela,owned and operated Mamma Mia’s Italian Ristorante in Williamstown for more than 25years, and the Corbin House Bar and Restaurant in Corbin City, New Jersey.  Francesco also hosted an Italian talk show on local television and a radio show out of Trenton. In addition, his passion for dancing and singing led him to organize shows featuring Italian bands and singers that toured up and down the East Coast in the 1970s, featuring such Italian stars as the writer and original voice of the classic song, Volare.  Throughout his life, Francesco never worked for anyone but himself.  He cherished his family and friends and loved to have a good time, cook and bring people together.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend of many years, BettyLou. Perhaps his greatest gift was his knack for seeing the bright side of any situation.  No matter how dire the moment, Francesco had a way of seeking out the silver lining and always managed to flip the negative into something positive.  

Friends and relatives are invited to his viewing on Friday, December 27th, from 9:30 - 11:30 AM at BELL-HENNESSY FUNERAL HOME, 420 S. Main St., Williamstown.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:00 noon at Our Lady of Peace Parish / St. Mary’s RC Church, 32 Carroll Ave., Williamstown. Entombment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NORD (National Organization of Rare Diseases) www.rarediseases.org or mail to NORD c/o Brittany Hoffmann 1900 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 310, Quincy, MA 02169.

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