Carmella R. Sylvestro

Carmella R. Sylvestro, 92, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2008, at her home in Southbury, CT.

Born in Worcester, Carmella was the devoted daughter of the late Michael and Lucia (Zampella) Sylvestro. Carmella was a graduate of Commerce High School in Worcester. She was a long time employee of Graten & Knight Company, formerly of Worcester, before moving on to the Worcester Five Cent Saving Bank where she was a teller in the bond department.

During World War II, she was the anchor of her family as her three brothers served in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific theaters. Carmella was revered by her friends and family for her cooking prowess, as any meal that included her pasta, stuffed peppers and pizza was transformed into a feast. She was a tireless support for her many friends throughout her life, which spanned the Great Depression era through the present. Carmella was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Worcester and of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southbury, CT.

Carmella loved traveling - either her own or vicariously through the stories and cards from her brothers, niece and nephews. Family was paramount for her, as she took keen interest in the lives of three generations of nieces and nephews. Carmella was particularly proud of her status as one of the very few to have been alive for three of her beloved Red Sox World Series Championships.

Carmella is predeceased by her parents and her brothers Philip, Jack and Tony. She is survived by her nephews, Stephen Sylvestro of Fairfield, CT, David Sylvestro of Easton, CT and Jackie Sylvestro and niece Margaret Willard, both of Miami, FL. Carmella was the beloved great aunt to three great-nephews, Christopher and Trevor, both of Fairfield, and Tucker of Cambridge, and three great-nieces, Casey of Easton CT, and Jennifer Bello and Lisa Willard of Miami, FL, and the newest pride and joy, her great-great niece, Victoria Bello of Miami.

Friends may call in the chapel at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southbury from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 28th. All are invited to join the family for a reception at the church immediately following the calling hour. In Worcester, a funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 31st at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call at Mercandante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation St. in Worcester from 9:30 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. South, Southbury, CT 06488 or to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 53 East Central St., Worcester, MA, 01605. To send an online condolence, please visit

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