Cheryl Ann Calistro Farrington was the second child born to Altagracia Calistro on Nov. 9, 1947, on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Cheryl spent her early childhood years growing up with her sister, Shirley, and many cousins under the care of her aunt, Valerie (Felicia Calistro), at Dronningens Gade (also known as Calistro Corner) in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
At the age of 12, Cheryl, along with her sister, Shirley Vessup Jennings, and cousin, Elroy Best, traveled to New York together to begin a new chapter in their lives. Cheryl and Shirley were reunited with their mother and younger siblings, Peter and Darcel. After graduating from Dodge Vocational High School in 1966, Cheryl married Lionel “Frako” Farrington. From this union, they had one daughter, Barbara Lea. Although they separated after 35 years of marriage, they always remained great friends.
Throughout the years, Cheryl and her family lived in Anniston, Alabama; Bronx, New York; and Danbury, Connecticut. It was in Danbury, where many friends and family members remember the numerous barbecues, family gatherings, sleepovers, Sunday morning breakfasts and great times. She began working in the New York Hospital System in 1969 as an administrative assistant. She was a very dedicated and loyal employee, working at Beth Abraham and Montefiore Hospitals for a combined total of 40 years before retiring in 2009.
She will always be remembered for her upper gamesmanship, competitive edge and warmth. She always kept the fun going and will be dearly missed.
Cheryl is survived by her mother, Altagracia; daughter, Barbara Lea; stepson, Lionel Jr.; son-in-law, Romia Huggins III; grandchildren: Princess Farrington, Lionel Farrington III, Briana Wesley, Marcus Farrington and Steven Wesley; sisters: Shirley Jennings and Darcel Carter; brother, Peter Carter; brother-in-law, Carl Jennings; nieces and nephews: Darvin, Lena, Darvin Jr, Darnell and Khai Jennings, Carlette and Vas Sanchez, Shaun, Young Mi and Ty Carter, and Kyle Britt; great aunts: Melita Calistro Bartlett and Medina Calistro Scatliffe; close friend, Avis McLean; as well as a host of cousins, extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, at McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, New York. The celebrant will be Rev. Carlyle Blake, C.S.S.R.
