Mary Carsello

She is survived by her daughters, Roberta Carsello and Anna-Marie, and her husband, Douglas Waller; her three grandsons: Steven (Nahika) and Nicholas (Raven) Waller, and Christopher (Jasmine) Uhlar. Other surviving family members include her sister, Mathilda Pineschi, David Uhlar, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vittorio and Antonia Cecchin, her sister, Louise Rutkowski, and her brother, John Cecchin.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Mary was the youngest daughter of four children. Her father was a carpenter, and her mother was a career woman/business owner.

Mary graduated from Mundelein College in Chicago in 1956 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She obtained a teaching position that same year and met the love of her life, Bob, on a blind date at a Christmas dinner dance. They were married August 3, 1957. In 1970, they moved their family from Chicago to Naples.

Throughout the years, Mary served the community in various capacities. She was a member of the Women’s Republican Club of Naples and enjoyed attending the Nick Linn Lecture Series. She was a member of St. Ann Council of Catholic Women (President), Civitan, and a founding member of Right to Life (now Action for Life). In addition, she supported Sunlight Home, Community Pregnancy Clinics, and Providence House. She and Bob together were the recipients of the 2010 James McTague Humanitarian Award from Catholic Charities of Collier County and the Diocese of Venice. Mary volunteered at each of the schools her children and grandchildren attended. This included St. Ann, Bishop Verot High School, St. Elizabeth Seton, and St. John Neumann. However, her proudest moments came when she used her beautiful singing voice to cantor for masses and funerals for St. Ann Parish, St. William Parish, and the Diocese of Venice homebound masses.

The viewing will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home at 525 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34108. Mass will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. William Catholic Church at 750 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34103.

Because Catholic education was important to Mary, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to: St. John Neumann High School (Attn: Sr. Patricia Roche – Tuition Assistance - 3000 53rd Street SW, Naples, FL 34116).