Born March 3, 1920 in Sicily; died peacefully in Salinas, with family at his side, on October 8, 2009 because of complications from a broken hip.
After serving in the Italian military in WWII, Carmelo completed his doctorate degree in agronomy from the University of Palermo and worked for a time as a professor and an employee of the Italian government. To be nearer to his sister, Rosina (Kole) and her family, Carmelo moved to California at the age of 38 and eventually met and married Dorothy Filice of Gilroy. They had two children, Mary Lou and Robert. After working many years in agribusiness, Carmelo founded his own firm, KleenGlobe, from which he retired in 1985.
Carmelo was a proud American citizen, but he loved all things Italian. He also loved dogs, hunting, fishing, socializing, travelling with Dorothy, and working in his garden. Most of all, he loved his family. Carmelo was an intelligent, charming man who was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends, here in the U.S. and in Italy.
Private services have been held. For those who are so inclined, Carmelo would be honored to have donations made in his name to the charity of their choice or to the National Italian American Foundation Scholarship Fund at www.niaf.org or 1860 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009.
