Carmela Catania
Carmela Catania of Mattituck, formerly a longtime resident of Ridgewood, Queens, died April 17, 2016, at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue. She was 87.
Carmela was born June 8, 1928, in Brooklyn to Vincenza (Merulla) and Anthony Catania and lived in Ridgewood for more than 50 years, where she worked as a seamstress for Max Levy. She moved to Mattituck in 2005 to live with her niece Diana, who ultimately cared for her during her illness. There, she became a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church.
Known as Aunt Millie, Carmela never married. She devoted herself to her family, which includes 47 nieces and nephews. Family members said “she was funny, smart, witty and stubborn and the most thoughtful, generous, loving and kind aunt that anyone could ask for.”
Carmela loved all animals and nature, especially her beloved family pets. She could even train squirrels to eat out of her hand. She was also very patriotic and loved the military, supporting all of her family members who served. Her niece Diana described her as “truly one of a kind.”
Carmela was predeceased by her beloved brothers, Anthony, Peter, Charles and John; and her sister Josephine. She is survived by her sister Frances DiVello; 10 nieces and nephews, Josephine, Vivian, Phil, John, Diana, Bobby, Rocky, Patty, Johnny and Anthony, who was also her godson; 24 great-nieces and nephews, Joanne, Lou, Tina, who was also her goddaughter, Lisa, Sal, Billy, Chris, Andrew, Megan, Steve, Jon, T.J., Jen, Joe, Johnny, Tina, Angela, Nicole, Taylor, Hunter, Leah, Anthony and Emily; 11 great-great-nieces and nephews, Alaina, Christopher, Aiden, Liam, Christina, Michael, Salvatore, Taylor, Lauren, Vincent and Ashley; and two great-great-great nieces and nephews, Reece and Landon.
The family received visitors April 20 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, followed by a Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck to celebrate her life.
Memorial donations may be made to North Fork Animal Welfare League.
This is a paid notice.
