Carmela P. Ferrante

CARMELA P. FERRANTE age 94, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Dominic and Philomena Nerone. She overcame a very difficult childhood, spending 7 years at an early age, in an orphanage with her brother, to become a strong and confident woman. She grew up in Cleveland, attended Collinwood High School and worked downtown Cleveland. She met the love of her life, Armond Ferrante, Sr. and they married in 1947. She was a devoted and supportive military wife. With his work in the U.S. Air Force, they, and their four children, were stationed in various locations, domestic and abroad. She was particularly fond of their time in Prestwick, Scotland where she took great pride in volunteering on the airbase and for the Red Cross. Returning to Cleveland in 1962 she remained a devoted wife and mother while also working. She was an incredible Italian cook, and, upon entering her home you were always greeted with the aroma of spaghetti and meatballs or freshly baked pizzelles. She loved giving ‘cooking classes’ to her children, grandchildren and friends. She developed numerous lifelong friendships through her work, especially Sarah, and the Collinwood Memories Club. She cherished her weekly girls’ breakfast with the group at the Manhattan Deli. In 2015, she relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to be closer to her daughter. She quickly developed many warm relationships, including with a wonderful caregiver that helped her in later years. Her greatest joy came from her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Armond, Sr. in 2000. She is survived by her children Gerry Johnson (Dennis) of Simpsonville, S.C., Armond, Jr. (Angela) of Cleveland, Maria Wilson (Ed) of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Patrick (Nanci) of Gates Mills; grandchildren, Colleen Chambers (Brian), Stephanie Wervey (Brian), and Anna Ferrante (Liam); great-grandchildren, Olivia and Jack Wervey. Other cherished family members include her brothers, the late Frank Nerone (late Madalyn), the late Jerry Barbato (Dawn), and Johnny Barbato and cousins, the late Joyce Benvenuto and the late Frank DiLalla. She had a special place in her heart for her grandogs/cats, especially Mozart in her later years. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Saturday, June 6th, 2020 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, with Fr. Marty Polito presiding. Interment All Souls Cemetery, in Chardon, OH. Masks and social distancing practices will be needed for church. All are welcome, but considering the current circumstances, we certainly respect everyone’s personal decision whether to attend. For those wishing, donations may be made in Carmela’s memory to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 15712 Kipling Ave, Cleveland, OH 44110 or Noble A. McArtor Senior Day Center, 1480 SW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. Online guest book and condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com