Obituary of Alicia Calcagne Sullivan

Alicia Calcagne Sullivan, of Pompton Plains, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, at Cedar Crest Senior Living, after six years as a resident. She had shared 94 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, priceless wisdom, and unforgettable memories with family, friends, and acquaintances. She lived a full and vibrant life, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Born in Union City, NJ, on a sunny day in August 1930, Alicia was one of two children to bless the late Margaret (Ryan) and Thomas Francis Hodge household. Alicia graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Union City before attending Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. She began her career as an Executive Secretary at General Motors in New York City, where she worked for Jimmy O’Connor, head of European sales. Alicia spent her childhood summers in Betterton Maryland, a quaint little town on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay with her family members, dear cousins and many friendships that lasted her entire life.

In 1952, she married Roy Calcagne, and the young couple moved to Denville NJ where they began raising their family. Alicia's entrepreneurial spirit emerged as she worked alongside Roy in the family liquor business.

As her family grew, Alicia continued to pursue her passions, earning her Associate’s degree in Education from County College of Morris and becoming a substitute teacher at Morris Knolls and Morris Hills High School while her children attended. She was always on the move—working, helping, and being an extraordinary mother and role model. In addition to her work as a businesswoman, she also drove a school bus for Denville Township for years, always juggling many roles with grace and determination.

Alicia was co-owner, with her son, of the Hub Florist in Denville and was an integral part of that business. After Roy’s passing in 1986, Alicia found love again with John Sullivan, whom she married in 1990. They moved to Florida to enjoy their retirement, traveling the world and embracing the joys of life. After John’s passing, Alicia returned to New Jersey in 2018 to be closer to her family.

Alicia was a proud Irish mother of four boys, and her family was her world. She was a woman who never slowed down—her zest for life, her work ethic, and her love for those around her were unmatched. Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husbands, Roy Calcagne and John Sullivan; her parents, and her brother and sisters-in-law, Thomas Francis (Rita) Hodge II and Ray (Lillian) Calcagne. Alicia was truly one of a kind—a hard worker, a loving mother, and a woman who lived her life to the fullest. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Alicia’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her adored sons and families, Brian and Andrea Calcagne, Christopher and Joanne Calcagne, Roy and Barbara Calcagne, and Damian Calcagne and Jennie Schurman; her caring daughter-in-law, Susanne Calcagne; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica Calcagne, Orin Ryan Calcagne, Jonathan Calcagne, R. Daniel Calcagne, Isaac Anders Calcagne, and Esme Eliza Calcagne; her dear cousin, Lucille DiBellis, as well as her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and family members and friends from her summer days in Maryland. She is also survived by Jack Sullivans family, Mary Lynn and Jeff Musser, John Sullivan and Karen, Raymond and Marinell, Liz and John, Ann and Lee and their families.

Also, a special thank you to Alicia’s live in Aide, Daria, who was a big part of Alicia’s life and care giving for the past 2 years, plus. She is a very special person and we couldn’t have done it without her.

All services will be private. She will be laid to rest in Denville Cemetery with her family. Please leave a condolence or share your favorite memory of Alicia at www.normandean.com to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine on.