Born in Acquappesa, Calabria, Italy; Carmela came to the United States in 1949 and worked as a seamstress. She returned to Italy to marry her sweetheart Gino Abbate in October of 1954. Together they returned to the United States and raised a family.
Carmela took great pride in her family. She hosted many family gatherings and she loved to cook. No one left her home hungry. Making tomato sauce was a joy and every August, the family would gather to prepare and jar fresh tomatoes. She kept a garden where she grew fresh vegetables for traditional Italian specialties she served to her guests.
Carmela was a devout Catholic and a member of San Marco Church. Her devotion to The Blessed Mother, Padre Pio and St. Benedict set an example for her family. She was a life-long member of the Societe’ S. Benedetto. She was a peacemaker among her family and keeping the family together was important to Carmela. She is remembered by her family and friends as a most caring and generous Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend.
Gino and Carmela celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family cruise in 2004. All of their children and grandchildren were with them for this joyous occasion.
The family would like to thank Maggie Metelluss and Manoune Charles for the many years of devoted and loving care of our Mother and Grandmother.
Carmela was predeceased by her beloved husband Gino Abbate Sr, her brothers Dominic, Louis, her sister Loretta and her parents Dominic and Rose Caruso.
She is survived by four children; Ralph Abbate and his wife Cathy and their children Ralph Jr, Michael, Caitlin; Gino Abbate Jr. and his wife Theresa and his children Joseph, Christina, Gino III, Anthony, Angelina; Patricia Linda Feola and her husband Mark and their children Mark Jr, and Vanessa; Michael Abbate and his wife, CarolAnn and their children Samantha and Vincent. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her brothers Augustine Caruso, Annandale, NJ and Giovanni Caruso of Acquappesa, Italy.
Funeral arrangements are under the supervision of Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home, Marco Island. Due to the pandemic, the services will be private. A Memorial Mass will take place on the 1 year anniversary of Camela's passing. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carmela Abbate’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (StJude.org) would be appreciated.
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