Geraldine "Gerry" C. (Maliszewski) Calfo

Geraldine C. Calfo, age 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2020 with her loving family by her side.

Born in Wilmington, DE, Gerry was the daughter of the late Edward and Sophia (Krajnik) Maliszewski. She graduated from Wilmington High School and attended Goldey Beacom College. Gerry was a longtime parishioner of St. Hedwig Catholic Church, where she was a lector and taught religious education.

Gerry was the office manager of Calfo and Haight, Inc., the business she and her husband, Augie, founded in 1967. Throughout her time in the plumbing/HVAC industry, Gerry’s main objective was to promote and open people’s eyes to the importance of the trades. Education in Vo-Tech High Schools, apprenticeships and continuing the trade as technology changed was of great importance to Gerry. She would attend open houses at the Vo-Tech High Schools to help recruit students in the plumbing/HVAC trade programs. Each year, Gerry loved personally awarding cash prizes to the Skills USA winners and the Outstanding Student Awards at the Vo-Tech High Schools.

Gerry was involved with the plumbing, heating and cooling contractors both locally and nationally. She was the past president of Delaware PHCC Women’s Auxiliary and the past president of the National PHCC Women’s Auxiliary. Through her work with the Women’s Auxiliaries, Gerry enjoyed volunteering in many ways, such as working with the Salvation Army and the Adopt a Highway program. Gerry and Augie had many close friends through the PHCC and enjoyed traveling to PHCC Conventions.

Family was the center of Gerry’s world. She treasured spending time with her family and loved to cook meals for them. Gerry will be remembered for her beautiful and kind heart. She loved taking care of people. In her leisure time, Gerry enjoyed gardening and collecting and creating dolls.

Gerry was predeceased by her beloved husband, Augustine “Augie” J. Calfo; her daughter, Carla Wakefield; her sister, Angela Chuchola and her parents. She is survived by her children, Dawn Thomas, Nicholas Calfo (Heather Ironside) and Angela Cannon; her grandchildren, Lawrence Thomas, Christina Cannon Calfo (Dwayne Pearson), Jonathan Cannon, Brian Cannon, Michael Wakefield (Beth Pfenning), and Sara Wakefield (Josh Herb); her great-grandchildren, Gabriel Thomas, Isaiah Pearson; and her siblings, Joan Corradin (James), Sylvia Kisielewski and Edward Maliszewski (Mardette).

Family and friends may visit from 11 AM to 12 Noon on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, where a Celebration of Gerry’s Life will begin at 12 Noon. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PHCC Educational Foundation,180 S. Washington St., #100, Falls Church, VA 22046. 

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