Patricia Ann Calistro (Dooley) passed on July 21 at the age of 92. She was the wife of the late Eugene R. Calistro Sr. of Branford and had been married for over 62 years. She was predeceased by her daughter Susan Calistro.

Mrs. Calistro was the daughter of the late John and Mary Riordan Dooley of New Haven, and was born in 1930.

She is survived by her children, the Honorable Eugene R. Calistro Jr. (Gia) of Guilford, and Wynne Calistro Bottomley (Brett) of North Haven; her grandchildren whom she loved and adored: Christian, Gianni, and Kelly Calistro and Austin and Griffin Bottomley. She is also survived by numerous dear friends and relatives.

Mrs. Calistro attended St. Mary’s High School in New Haven and graduated in 1949. She attended the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City and retired as a switchboard operator from Rockbestos Wire and Cable Co. in New Haven. She enjoyed being actively involved with her friends in the Branford Homemakers, St. Therese Guild, and the annual Christmas Fair.

Many will miss her sage advice and wisdom. She taught us to be kind and compassionate in our daily lives and led by example. She loved her Irish heritage having traveled to Ireland and never missed the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Haven. Her Catholic faith formed the foundation of a life well lived. She enjoyed traveling with her husband to Italy, Bermuda, and on regular family trips to Cape Cod and the Catskills. An avid shopper and tag sale enthusiast, she also enjoyed tole painting folk art, as well as painting custom children’s furniture.

We will forever cherish the fond memories of a great mother and friend whose inner strength was the core of our family.

Visiting Hours are from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 29, at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Therese Church on Leetes Island Road, Branford. Burial will be private at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Homecare Plus Community Healthcare & Hospice, 753 Boston Post Road, Guilford or to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford. For directions and online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com.