STEPHEN CALIFANO Obituary

Stephen J. Califano, 85, of Niskayuna, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, February 21, 2010 following a lengthy illness. Born in Schenectady on April 29, 1924, he was the son of the late John and Concetta (nee: St. John) Califano. He was raised and educated in the Schenectady school system. During WWII, Stephen proudly served with the United States Army. He was a communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Schenectady. He lived most of his life in the Capital District and first worked as an auto mechanic for several years. He moved to California for three years and attended aircraft mechanic school. He returned to the local area and became employed by General Electric Co. where he worked in the Flight Test Center in Glenville. He worked as an aircraft mechanic for Mohawk Airlines for five years. During the 1960s, he owned and operated General Spray Service for 10 years. In 1972, together with his son, Stephen, they founded Capital District Waterbeds, currently named Capital Mattress, and he enjoyed working for many years until his retirement. Stephen had many musical talents and enjoyed playing the accordion, organ, guitar and harmonica. Stephen will be remembered by his family as a selfless man with a giving and gentle spirit. He was well respected, compassionate and devoted to his loving family. He appreciated good conversation and was generous with advice. Married on June 2, 1946 Stephen was predeceased by his wife, Lenore (nee: Falcone) Califano in 1993. He was also predeceased by six sisters and two brothers. Celebrating his memory are his children, Dr. Robert (Patricia) Califano, Linda Califano and Stephen (Jean) Califano; his brother, Albert P. (the late Katherine) Califano; five grandchildren, Christina (Alex) Dell, Nicole (Kyle) Bateman, Anthony (Meghan) Califano, Michael (Amanda Zwinge) Califano and Brian Califano; four great-grandchildren, Ryan and Carly Dell and Grace and Lily Bateman; nieces and nephews, Helen Belanger, Clair Kolar, Concetta Prendergast, Dr. Paul Califano and Rev. Dr. John Califano. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Sunnyview's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialists, specifically Tanya and Karen. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St., Schenectady with Stephen's nephew, the Rev. Dr. John Califano, officiating. Entombment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday from 1 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. "So long for now."