Carmelo Mastrosimone

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Carmelo Mastrosimone who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Carmelo was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Carmelo knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Phillip and Virginia Mastrosimone. Carmelo was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Even as a youngster, Carmelo learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Carmelo was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Carmelo was raised with four siblings. He had three brothers and one sister. Carmelo had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Carmelo, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Carmelo's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Carmelo enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Carmelo took part in bowling, fishing, golf, and motorcycle riding. In his spare time he liked music, especially playing the guitar and saxophone.

Carmelo was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Carmelo was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Carmelo came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends was his brother, Phillip. Later in life, he made many new friends.

An objective and conscientious individual, Carmelo reveled in the security of his family. One of Carmelo’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Carmelo was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Carmelo would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Carmelo was blessed with two children, two sons,.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Carmelo was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Carmelo was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Carmelo upheld his standards. He was employed for Italian Bread & Cookie Baker. Carmelo was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Carmelo was a Navy veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. Carmelo saw action in Vietnam.

Carmelo approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were art, fishing, and music. Carmelo was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Carmelo was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Carmelo’s favorites was his cat. They were best friends for two years.

He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in art and music. In many ways, Carmelo loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Carmelo passed away on March 12, 2020 at at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carmelo fought a brave battle agains bladder cancer. He is survived by his wife, sons, grandchildren, siblings, aunt, and cousins. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary. Carmelo was laid to rest at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Carmelo was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Carmelo Mastrosimone did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.