Francesca “Frances” Lee

Born Francesca Castaldo, Frances was born in Caivano (Naples) Italy on December 19, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Consiglia (Falco) Castaldo and Luigi Castaldo. During her youth in Italy, Frances was introduced to the seamstress trade and became a successful dressmaker. She was also a young survivor of the Allied Forces attacks upon the Axis Powers during World War ll. Later, she undertook her “famous” sea voyage to America to visit her paternal uncle, Domenic Castaldo, where she met and married Oswego City firefighter Frederick E. Lee, and became a citizen. Their marriage produced three daughters.

Frances was an old-fashioned homemaker, dedicating herself completely to the needs of her family.  Roman Catholic by upbringing, Frances Later became a member of New Covenant Community Church , and was a staunch advocate of traditional values.  Frances loved people and had a multitude of friends and acquaintances, including cherished friends Terry Paeno, Martha Gambino and Anita Miuccio, and her friends at St. Luke Apartments, where she resided for many years.

Like many from the “Old Country,” she was known for her culinary talent and fashionable appearance, no matter what the occasion. She also loved a bargain. Throughout her life, she had the pleasure of visiting her native country numerous times, sharing her beloved homeland with her husband and daughter.  She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Frances was predeceased by her husband Frederick E. Lee, siblings Consiglia, Marietta and Salvatore Castaldo of Italy, and is survived by brother Antonio Castaldo of Italy, daughters Anna Marie (Joe) Miuccio of Oswego, Linda Lee, also of Oswego, and Cecelia Bishop of Diamondhead, MS, and stepchildren Sherry Marino of Osweo, and Robert Lee of Sodus. Frances is also survived by grandchildren Nicholas Bishop (Catherine) of Texas, John(Kimberly Powers) Miuccio of Fulton, Anthony (Sarah) Miuccio of East Syracuse and Lauren (Ryan) Moran of Louisiana, as well as great grandchildren Jameson Bishop, Dominic Miuccio, and Oliver Moran. Frances is also survived by several nieces and nephews in Italy.

Calling hours will be Thursday, April 24th from 5:00- 7:00 at Dowdle Funeral Home 154 East Fourth Street,Oswego N.Y. where a memorial service will be held directly after the calling hours. Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery on Friday, April 25th at 11:30.

Donations may be made in Frances’ name to the New Covenant Church Building Fund, c/o 51 East Oneida Street, Oswego, NY 13126.

Our family would like to express our gratitude to the nursing and CNA staff on B Wing at St. Luke Health Services for the exceptional care and compassion shown to our mother during her time there. Also A Wing, where she stayed initially.