Paul Robert Calabrese

GENEVA- Paul Robert Calabrese, 79, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Mesothelioma on Friday, March 13, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday ,March 20, at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home LLC 28 Genesee St. Geneva. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. at St. Stephens Church Geneva, N.Y. on Saturday, March 21. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Mausoleum.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Our Lady of Peace Parish 130 Exchange St. or the Center of Concern, 58 Avenue D. Geneva, N.Y. 14456.Paul was born on May 31, 1946, in Geneva and was a son of Ralph and Mary (Piergrosso) Calabrese. He graduated from DeSales High School in 1964. He served in the Penn Yann based Army Reserves from 1962-1968. Paul was a skilled Journeyman Mason for 40 years. He was a proud member of The Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union, Local 3-NY, for 58 years. He took great pride in his trade and enjoyed mentoring and apprenticing young masons, sharing the knowledge, craftsmanship, and a strong work ethic that defined his career.Paul enjoyed collecting antiques, particularly Edison phonographs and clocks. He took pride in finding unique pieces and preserving a bit of history. He loved gardening, working outdoors, fishing, hunting, and keeping busy with projects around the home. Many weekends were happily spent going to garage sales with his wife (Bernie) always enjoying the search for small treasures together. Paul cherished time with his grandchildren and loved teaching them new things. Paul had a natural curiosity to learn and share his knowledge with others.Paul's wife and daughters were his pride and joy, and in his final months, they lovingly cared for him, reflecting the love and values he fostered in their family.He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Bernadette (Legott) Calabrese; daughters, Melody Marchese, Melanie Calabrese and Shana Russ; brother, Michael (Sherry) Calabrese; grandchildren, Louis and Carmela Marchese, Tiana, Marcel, Alayna and Kyler Russ; great-grandchildren, Jimmy and J.J.; niece, Mary Beth Benkovich; nephews, Steve Benkovich, and Kirk (Candy) Calabrese; life-long friend, Joe Solomon; as well as a large extended family.Paul was predeceased by his brother, Ralph Jr (Shirley) Calabrese; and sister, Catherine (Michael) Benkovich.The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care Paul received from the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital during the last week of his life.Online condolences for the family may be expressed at www.palmfh.com.