Carmelita Cennamo

Carmelita (LaDelia) Cennamo, 88, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after courageously battling Parkinson’s disease. Born on July 28, 1937, in Sicily, Italy, Carmelita was the beloved daughter of Vincenzo and Fillipina LaDelia. In 1947, at just ten years old, she immigrated to the United States with her family aboard the ship Marine Perch, beginning a remarkable life rooted in faith, family, and love.

Carmelita quickly embraced her new life in America. She excelled in her studies, graduating high school early and continuing on to Brooklyn College. Before beginning her family, Carmelita worked at Citi Bank in New York City. Years later, as her children grew older, she resumed her professional life with Royal Globe Insurance, where she enjoyed reconnecting with the working world and the friendships she made there.

It was at a Catholic church dance that she met the love of her life, Angelo Cennamo, and the two were married on October 5, 1958. Together, they built a beautiful life, first in Brooklyn, then Staten Island, and later in New Jersey. They also cherished their time spent at their homes in the Poconos and Florida.

Carmelita had a deep love of history and geography—her family affectionately referred to her as a “human GPS” for her exceptional sense of direction. She was known for keeping an immaculate home, cooking delicious meals inspired by her Sicilian heritage, and sharing stories of her childhood and family traditions. Fluent in both Italian and English, Carmelita remained deeply proud of her roots, making several trips back to Sicily throughout her life.

Christmas Eve was Carmelita’s favorite holiday, a celebration that perfectly reflected her generous spirit. Every year, she filled a ping pong table with homemade food—each dish prepared with love and care—and was always the last to sit, ensuring everyone else was served first. Her love language was truly acts of service, expressed through her cooking, her hospitality, and the quiet, constant ways she cared for others.

A devout Catholic, Carmelita’s faith guided her every step. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and always found a church wherever she traveled. She was charitable, giving generously to faith- and health-based charities that reflected her values of compassion and service. Her life was one of faith, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Carmelita is survived by her loving daughters Diane Cristino and her husband Joe, and Maria Faust and her husband Lewis. She was the cherished grandmother of Guiliano Cristino (Julie), Michael Faust (Jessica), Catherine Lane (John), Christopher Faust (Kate), and Steven Faust, and the adored great-grandmother—lovingly known to them as “Gita”—of Lily, Brielle, Avery, Tyler, Emersyn, and Cora. She is also survived by her sister Rosalia Calandra and her husband Angelo, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Vincenzo and Fillipina LaDelia, and her brothers Gaetano, Liborio, Franco, and Aldo.

Carmelita will be remembered for her grace, loyalty, generosity, and deep love for her family. Her legacy of faith, charity, and service will continue to live on through those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Carmelita’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s research.

A visitation for Carmelita will be held Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. A funeral mass will occur Monday, October 20th beginning at 10:30am at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 43 Madison Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Entombment will follow at Saint Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Honey Locust Dr, Toms River, NJ 08701.