Eleanor Ann "Ellie" (Puccia) Caltabiano's Obituary
Eleanor Ann “Ellie” (Puccia) Caltabiano passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, surrounded by her family, just weeks shy of her 80th birthday. A lifelong New Yorker, devoted wife, mother, teacher, and friend, Eleanor—known to most as Ellie, and to her grandchildren as “Noni”—lived a life of intellect, warmth, and fierce loyalty.
Born on July 26, 1945, in Watertown, NY, Eleanor was the third daughter of Angelo and Philistine Puccia. She was raised in a lively, loving Italian American Catholic household and was a proud graduate of Watertown High School, Class of 1963.
In 1967, Eleanor became the first in her family to graduate from college, earning her degree in education from SUNY Oswego. A proud sister of Theta Chi Rho, she financed her own education and carried that independence into a 40-year career as an English teacher. Her career spanned Cortland Junior-Senior High School, West Genesee High School, and as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She was affectionately known as “Mrs. C” to generations of students, many of whom continued to stop her years later to tell her she had been their toughest—and most inspiring—teacher.
Ellie was deeply passionate about literature, particularly Shakespeare, Faulkner, Hemingway, and Chaucer. She was a loyal New York Yankees fan, a fervent supporter of Syracuse University basketball, and a lover of music, movies, and cruising. She adored her dog, Sadie, and she cherished quiet afternoons with a good book and a strong cup of coffee.
One of her most treasured experiences was traveling to Sicily with her husband Jack, where they visited the towns their families had come from—an emotional return to their roots that brought her a profound sense of connection, pride, and joy.
A devout Catholic, she was a longtime parishioner and chorister at Holy Family Church in Fairmount, NY.
She married the love of her life, Jack Caltabiano, in 1967 at St. Anthony’s Church in Watertown. They had known each other since childhood and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this past June. Their love was the foundation of her life—a rare and steady bond that carried them through decades of joy, challenge, and family milestones.
Ellie is survived by her husband Jack; her three sons: Christopher (Melinda), Matthew, and Jeffrey; and her beloved grandchildren: Hannah, Joshua, Claire, and Lucy. She is also survived by her brothers Angelo, Nelson, and Philip (Mary) Puccia, and more than 35 nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her sisters Mary Swayze of North Syracuse and Josephine Snyder of Canastota.
She will be remembered for her sharp wit, her unwavering sense of justice, her deep empathy, and her unshakable commitment to her family and her students.
Her family takes comfort knowing that her final wishes were honored, and that her legacy will live on in every student who learned to love literature, in every child she raised with courage, and in every life she touched with grace.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Ellie’s life will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 12:30 P.M. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) Syracuse, NY 13212.
Contributions can be made in her name to the Council for Economic Education, 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1012 New York, NY 10168.
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