Carmelo was born at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara on August 29, 1971. Following a difficult birth, he was diagnosed with undeveloped hip sockets and was forced to spend the first year of his life with both legs and hips in a full lower body cast. Later, he would be diagnosed with the disabling hereditary disease known as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, an affliction of all body joints and associated connective tissues. However, Carlo fought through the pain and physical challenges daily in a valiant effort to achieve an enjoyable childhood. At the beach with family and friends, he would “ride the waves” body surfing on an air mattress. Throughout the neighborhood, he would navigate his way around on his skateboard or bicycle. On the golf course he would “grip it and rip it” for all he was worth. His aggressive struggles with E.D. Syndrome brought him to the ER with frequent occurrence with broken bones and dislocations. Carlo graduated from Santa Clara High School in 1990. He explored a number of different career possibilities before entering San Jose State University and graduating in 2000 with a degree in Hospitality Management. He was also very interested in auto mechanics and was self-taught. He would spend hours keeping his own automobiles tuned and running. As a hobby he became a skilled pool player and enjoyed “running the cloth” on friends and family members. Family and friends are invited to a Vigil Service on Thursday, December 6 at 7 p.m. at Lima Family Santa Clara, 466 N Winchester Blvd. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 7 at St. Joseph’s Basilica on Market St. in San Jose. Donations may be sent to Act for Mental Health, Inc. (441 Park Avenue, San Jose, Ca 95110)
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