Patricia A. Calpeter

Patricia A. “Patti” Calpeter peacefully passed away on August 14, 2025, after a short illness surrounded by family and friends. Patti was born to Anna L. (Barrett) and Carl H Stemmler in Syracuse, New York on July 23, 1939. She was very proud to grow up on “The North Side” and she lived there until her family moved to Mattydale, NY in 1953. Patti attended North Syracuse High School and was a graduate of the Class of 1957. She was a member of the Phi Sigma Beta Sorority, worked at FW Woolworth’s, was voted “Most Happy Go Lucky” in her class, and enjoyed drag racing her 1957 Chevy.

Shortly after graduating from NSHS, Patti began to work at the SAGE building as a secretary. She moved to Montgomery, Alabama for a short time to continue her work supporting teams that worked on various SAGE programs. In 1962 she married Robert J. Calpeter. The couple resided in Mattydale, NY. They had two children. Between 1971 and 1984, Patti went to work in the North Syracuse Central School District as both a teacher’s aide at Bessie B. Riordan Elementary School and as a dean’s secretary at North Syracuse High School. Patti then worked at Tuscarora Construction Company in Pulaski for a few years as the Office Manager. In 1986 she worked at her niece and nephew’s business, Guignard’s Florist, in North Syracuse, NY. In 2001, Patti went to work as the Office Manager at St. Francis Adult Day Care in Syracuse, NY, where she worked until 2013, finishing her career at age 73.

Patti loved going to the Turning Stone Casino to play Bingo and the slot machines. Her last trip to Turning Stone was a few weeks ago on her 86th birthday to play High Stakes Bingo (unfortunately she did NOT win!). She loved music and loved to sing. At age 5, she sang “Mairzy Doats” accompanied by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra for a Syracuse Radio program. The music of the 1950’s, Queen, ABBA, Johnny Cash, and countless others were among her favorites. She loved Sauerbraten, Butterfinger candy bars, Heid’s coneys and ice cream.

Finally, Patti had a large group of very dear friends. Many were the members of her “Girl’s Club”, a group of her NSHS Class of ‘57 friends that have met monthly for 60 years! She cherished her friendships with many of her work colleagues as well. Patti was involved as a volunteer with many community organizations during her life including the Mattydale Fireman’s Auxiliary, the Mattydale Little League, Meal on Wheels and various caregiver’s support groups in Onondaga County. Patti will be remembered for her kindness, her warm smile, and happy go lucky spirit.

Patti is survived by her daughter, Lynn A. Calpeter of Pittsfield, MA; her son, Robert J (Cindy) Calpeter of Durhamville, NY; her niece, Marcia (Mike) Hafner; and her great nephew, Tyler (Erica) Hafner.

She was predeceased by her parents, Anna L. and Carl H. Stemmler and her former husband, Robert J. Calpeter, Sr.

Patti’s family would like to thank Sabrina Crist for her wonderful and loving work as Patti’s caregiver. Your friendship and companionship over the last couple of years was a Godsend to us all!

Memorial contributions may be made to North Area Meals on Wheels, 413 Church St.,

North Syracuse, NY 13212 or to an organization of your choice.

The family will hold a private service. A celebration of Patti’s life will be held at a later date.