Obituary of Francine Pergolizzi

Francine Pergolizzi (nee Cali), aged 80, of Little Ferry passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, February 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and devotion.  A woman of strength and kindness, she was the beloved wife of Thomas Pergolizzi, the cherished mother of Michele Monforte and her husband Mike and Michael Pergolizzi and his wife Luciana Petrocelli, and the adoring grandmother of Danielle Petruzzelli and her husband Joseph, Michael Monforte and his wife Amanda, Richard Petrocelli, Bianca Petrocelli and Sean Alterman, and Isabella Petrocelli, and treasured great grandchildren Gianna, Julianna, Mikey, Romeo, and Enzo.  She is also survived by her many friends also known as the “Bakers Dozen”.  Francine was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Clementina (nee Ruggiero) and the late Nunzio Cali. 

Francine’s heart was a home to all who knew her.  She was a master in the kitchen, weaving love into every meal, filling her family’s hearts as much as their plates.  Her laughter echoed through every gathering, her wisdom a guiding force for those she held dear.  Family was her greatest joy, her deepest pride, and she nurtured those she loved with an unwavering devotion.  A dedicated Human Resources Manager for Bank of America, Francine spent her career ensuring fairness, kindness, and dignity in the workplace.  She believed in people, in their potential, and the power of compassion.  Beyond her family and work, Francine found beauty in life’s simple pleasures-long conversations with friends, the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal, and the golden glow of Sunflowers, her favorite bloom, standing tall and vibrant like she did throughout her life.  She leaves behind not just those who loved her, but an unfillable void in all the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Funeral Mass in Francine’s honor will be held on Thursday, February 13^th, at St. Margaret of Cortona Church beginning at 10 A.M., Little Ferry.  Cremation will be private.  To celebrate Francine’s generous spirit, in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, allowing her legacy of love and kindness to continue touching lives.

501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org/give