Obituary of Denise M. Calabrese

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Denise Calabrese, beloved wife of Christopher Calabrese and devoted mother to Christopher and David, on May 23, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.

Denise was born in Wantagh, NY in 1956 to John and Theresa Bovich, third in line of 6 siblings.  (She was predeceased by her sister Kimberly and parents.)  She moved with her family to Peekskill, NY at the age of 2½, and graduated with honors from Peekskill High School in 1974.  Denise married the love of her life, Christopher Calabrese in 1976.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from PACE University.  She began her rewarding 40+ year career with The Peekskill Area Health Care Center (now Sun River Health) as a volunteer, when it serviced just Peekskill residences, to serving as its Vice President of Financial Operations, now recognized as the largest non-profit healthcare organization in the country!

She will be lovingly remembered by her; sons Christopher and David (Suzanne) Calabrese, granddaughter Jet Stevie Calabrese, sister Pat (Robert) Sharkey, brothers, Mike (Maria) Bovich, Jack (Maureen) Bovich, and Tom Bovich. Her many nephews, nieces, cousins will miss her fun-loving spirit and life lessons.  She has created many lasting memories for her family and friends. 

Denise meant so much to so many people and for so many reasons that it is hard to write her story.  Family and friends will come together at Nardone Funeral Home on Thursday, May 27, from 3-7 to share cherished memories and stories of Denise.  A funeral mass will be celebrated for Denise on Friday, May 28 at 10:00 at The Church of Assumption in Peekskill.  She will then leave us to be cremated.

The family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and support Denise received from neighbors, friends, and her and Chris’ work families throughout her year-long journey with cancer.  She even had her own guardian angels on earth with Wilma and Patricia!

Denise was a “poor man’s” philanthropist – giving freely of her time, wisdom, and whatever resources she had (like a pack of toilet paper from the back of her car during Co-Vid to food and clothing to those in need).  Therefore, it is fitting that we continue her vision for helping others by establishing a memorial fund in her name through the Peekskill Rotary Club to be given to a Peekskill High School student in need who plans to attend college as the first person in their family.

Denise modeled for all of us how to live each day to the fullest!  She let her family and friends know every day how much she loved them!  She made every child feel special and important.  She celebrated differently-abled people by being totally accepting and non-judgmental.  She let her co-workers know how much she enjoyed working with them and acknowledged how important they and their contributions were.  She was a life-long learner and enjoyed exploring and traveling our world both near and far. From the wilderness of Alaska to the jungles of Costa Rica to the bright skies of Iceland, to the plains of the African Serengeti she traveled with a purpose.  On her very last trip, she brought solar lights to the Massai Villagers in Tanzania. She would not want any person to feel alone or in need.   

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Denise M Calabrese memorial fund that will financially assist Peekskill High School seniors. Your generous donation can be made electronically by following the attached link to the Peekskill Rotary Foundation and selecting the "Denise M Calabrese" memorial fund in the drop-down menu or by sending a check to the Peekskill Rotary Foundation noting the "Denise M Calabrese" memorial fund at P.O. Box 344, Peekskill, NY. 10566.

Thank you, Denise, for all that you gave us!  (We will definitely need your help and guidance to carry on without you!).

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home on Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 10:00 am.

Private Cremation Service to Follow.

A recording of the Funeral Mass can be viewed [HERE].