Morse S. Caltabiano, 80, of Fulton, died Saturday at University Hospital, Syracuse after a brief illness.
A native of Schroeppel, he had resided in Fulton most of his life. Morse retired as a truck driver at Consolidated Freightways in East Syracuse after over 30 years. He brought the original Mr. Softee Ice Cream franchise to Fulton in the 1960’s and worked as a foreman at the Mengel Box Plant in Fulton in the 1950’s. Morse was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church in Fulton. He was a member of Teamster’s Local 317 in Syracuse and the Volney Senior Citizens. He enjoyed walking, square dancing and was an avid college basketball fan with Syracuse and Duke being his favorites. Morse loved spending special time with his five great-granddaughters.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Theresa Caltabiano of Fulton; his daughter, Freda (Kenneth) Collins of Fulton; sons, Angelo “Andy†Caltabiano of Aiken, SC, William (Nancy) Caltabiano of Warners and James (Monica) Caltabiano of Toronto; four grandchildren, Jamie Ruzekowicz, Jeffrey Larmondra, Michael and Kerri Caltabiano; five great-granddaughters, Jenna, Elena and Olivia Ruzekowicz, Emma and Adalyn Larmondra; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Angelo and Alfia Caltabiano and three brothers, Peter, Anthony and Alfred Caltabiano.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Trinity Church, 309 Buffalo Street, Fulton with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay Street, Fulton. Contributions may be made, in memory of Morse, to the Mary & Charles Haney Fund, c/o Hematology-Oncology Dept., 140 West 6th Street, Suite 110, Oswego, NY 13126
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
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i remember mr, softee when i was a kid, he will be missed, he was a wonderful person.
Thanks for the memories…
In almost 60 years, I have not forgotten the Mister Softee man.
Robert
Dear Theresa and family,
I heard from my Mom about Morse’s death a few days ago, but it wasn’t until today that my brother Tim forwarded me his obituary and I found that it also offered the possibility to forward a personal message to the family, an opportunity I’m grateful for.
Morse was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever known and I’m sure you’re all extremely saddened by the loss. My mom will miss him, too, and in a very special way since in addition to being a source of quiet, tender support Morse was also a significant link to her own past – someone with whom she could share her memories. While home for my dad’s illness I was impressed by how much they cared for each other and what a comfort they were to each other.
I know that it wasn’t easy for Morse to visit Mom’s house while dad was ill, nor was it any easier for him to attend my dad’s funeral, but in making those efforts he transmitted an impressive amount of human compassion and dignity, values that are in short supply these days.
I hope you and your family receive similar consolation from others who accompany you through this difficult period of transition.
All my love,
Doreen
My Thoughts and Prayers are with the entire family.
Ron (Ronnie) Ellis