Santa Clara

On May 1, 2025, Heaven’s doors opened wide to welcome Diane Rae Calcagno.

Diane was born on April 14, 1943, to Margaret and Ray Sarti. She spent a happy childhood in San Francisco.

During her high school years, a handsome young athlete from nearby St. Ignatius caught her eye and soon won her heart. Diane and Ron Calcagno were married in August 1963.

The young couple settled in Santa Clara, where Ron was a Senior at the University. Their little family grew in September 1964 with the birth of Greg and again 3years later when Kevin arrived.

Over the years, athletics began to take center stage in Diane’s life. In 1972, Ron became the Head Coach of the St. Francis High School Football Program. She excitedly donned the school colors of brown and gold and for the next 25 years proudly sat in “her spot” in the top row of the end zone bleachers. It is no exaggeration to say that hundreds of young men and their families came to know and love Diane in the Lancer stands.

As much as Diane loved being a mom, becoming “Noni” when her grandchildren began to arrive was a highlight of her lifetime and the title she wore most proudly. The joy kept growing with the arrival of great grandbabies. She loved being Noni to her great granddaughters and will soon be loving her first great grandson from heaven.

She loved crocheting, creating heartfelt blankets for babies, family members, and even St. Francis football players heading off to college. Her famous “Noni Blankets,” stitched with love in school colors, became tokens of encouragement and pride—symbols of her deep connection to the young men she cheered for.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, and by her beloved in-laws. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ron Calcagno, her sons Greg (Ann) and Kevin (Kristi), and her cherished grandchildren: Michael (Catie), David (Alora), Robert (Ashley), Katherine, Patrick, Kieleigh, Kristian, Sophie, and Olivia. She also leaves behind many loving cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

Funeral Services will be held at St Williams Church in Los Altos, May 16th at 11 am with a reception immediately following.