Carmel F. Desiderio, known as “Mrs. D” and “Millie” to her friends, 95, of Sea Isle City, Nutley, N.J., and Naples, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, at her home in Sea Isle City surrounded by her loving family.
Carmel was born April 14, 1928, in Newark, New Jersey, to her parents, Constantine and Filomena (Rosamilia) Ferrara.
She was born on North 9th Street in Newark on her grandparents’ kitchen table. She was delivered by her grandmother.
Mrs. D graduated from Abington Avenue Grammar School and Central High School in Newark. While attending high school, she worked at Dugan’s Baking Company.
After high school, she worked at Prudential as a section head in Newark.
Carmel married her high school sweetheart, Leonard J. Desiderio, on October 22, 1950, and shared a loving 71 years of memories together.
Mrs. D attended Seton Hall University until she became a stay-at-home mother. She went back to school in her late 80s to receive her associate degree. It did not matter the age, she was determined and she did it.
Once her husband, Leonard, returned home from his honorable discharge from the Army in 1953, they purchased a home in Nutley, where they raised their sons, Leonard C. and Gerard A. Sr.
Mrs. D also worked at Nutley Savings in Nutley. To supplement their income during the summer, Mr. and Mrs. D became involved and obtained ownership of businesses in Sea Isle City.
The Sea Isle Swim Club, Sea Isle Go Karts, Fun Town Arcade, Lenny’s Penny Arcade, Sea Isle Kiddie Rides and G’s Golf Course were some of the businesses.
In 1984, Mr. and Mrs. D, along with their sons, purchased the Sea Isle Inn and Kix Package Goods and Lounge.
They commuted weekly to and from Sea Isle City and Nutley to help run the businesses and eventually moved to Sea Isle City full time in 1995.
Carmel Desiderio is predeceased by her father, Constantine, and mother, Filomena; along with her sisters, Mary Piccirillo, Jean Palumbo and Josephine Manageri; her brothers, Nicolas Ferrara and Constantine “Jerry” Ferrara; and her son, Gerard A. Sr.
She is survived by her son, Leonard C. (Carmela); three grandchildren, Carmela L., Gerard A. Jr., and Robert L.; and her daughter-in-law, Tracy Murphy.
She was loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends and, of course, Brunello “Bruno” grand dog, who she enjoyed his daily visits.
She loved to hear from her friends weekly by mail, the phone or text messages. She was most proud of her Kix Family Friends.
Mrs. D was famous for giving big hugs and kisses to all. She lived in her own home until the day she passed.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 9, at the Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 4308 Landis Avenue in Sea Isle City.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, April 10, at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to St. Joseph Church in Sea Isle City in honor of Carmel F. Desiderio.
The Desiderio Family would like to thank all for their compassion, support and love during this most difficult time.
For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.
Obituary is courtesy of the Godfrey Funeral Home.
