Virginia A. Calcagni 1943-2024

Gina was born in 1943 in Lowellville and graduated from Wilson High School in 1961, where she was head cheerleader for four years. She studied library science at Youngstown University, where she met Robert A. Calcagni. They were married, Feb. 8, 1964, raised five children and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Gina was a past president of the women’s auxiliary of the Youngstown Kiwanis Club. She also was a past president of the American Women’s Club of Luxembourg, but more importantly, “Mama Gina” was the beloved matriarch and bright star of Casa Calcagni. Gina devoted her endless energy to her cherished family and infused everything she did with love. Gina was a talented dressmaker who made beautiful gowns, dresses and costumes for many years. She crocheted numerous blankets, hats and scarves, and had enough yarn to cover Ohio. Gina had the skill of a chef, creating meals that could inspire emotion, comfort and healing. Among her most remarkable talents was growing and maintaining flowers and vegetables in a garden and landscape everyone admired. The fragrance of lilacs and roses mixed with mint, basil, tomato leaves and different peppers was always present, and she cared for the garden as she cared for her family, with love and attention. Her humor could lighten up the gloomiest days and if she had not dedicated her life to her family, she could have been a stand-up comedian with her witty humor and ability to make people laugh.

She is survived by her husband, Robert A. Calcagni; sister, Theresa (Leporis) Ewing; daughters, Marialaina Kowch (Randy) of Phoenix, Arizona, Julie Calcagni of Columbus, Roberta Bianchi of Poland, Georgina “Gigi” (Shawn) Rodgers of Solon; and a son who, out of respect for his privacy, wishes to remain unnamed. She had nine grandchildren whom she adored beyond words, Gabrielle, Gina, Miranda, Tyler, Anna, Isabella, Catherine, Anthony and Vincent; and many loved nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Floyd Leporis; her mother, Theresa (Liberato) Leporis; and sister, Mary (Leporis) Davis.

Visitation will occur 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, OH 44514. A celebration of life event will be announced later.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rich Center for Autism, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555; or the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker, Poland. Online condolences may be made at www.beckerobits.com.

(special notice)