Ricarda "Ricky" (Castellani) Calarco, 93, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Friday December 14, 2012 at her residence, while under the care of her loving family, and Niagara Hospice. Born in Giuliano di Roma, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Ferrante and Elisa (Guarino) Castellani.

Ricarda immigrated to the United States with her family in 1921. Ricky always centered her life on her family. At the age of 14 her mother passed away, and Ricarda became the caregiver of her father, brothers and sisters. On July 20, 1946 she married James "Jim" Calarco in Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Following her marriage she continued to care for her father, while raising her five children. Her husband of 58 years, James, predeceased her on September 28, 2004. Ricky enjoyed music and had particular love of opera. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed artistic creative activities, such as ceramics, needlepoint, and sewing.

Mrs. Calarco is survived by her five children, Paul (Norma) Calarco of West Lake, OH, Carol Calarco and Christine Calarco, both of Niagara Falls, NY, James (Christine) Calarco and Elissa (Robert) Volpe, both of Amherst, NY. She was 'Na Na' to Michele (Mick) Wolters, Melissa (James) Atkins, Jennifer Calaraco, Sara (Ryan) Langston, Nicholas Calarco, and Marc Volpe, and was 'GG' to Riley, Aiden and Addison Atkins, and Lauren Wolters. She is also survived by her caregivers, Sophia Hunt and Joan Stanish, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ricarda was predeceased by three brothers, Armand Castellani, Alfred Castellani, and Vincent Castellani, and two sisters, Anna LaBarbera and Agatha Valery.

Visitation will be on Monday from 3 - 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday December 18th at 10:00 AM at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th St. and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. Duane R. Klizek, officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094.