Carmie DeVito

Carmelee "Carmie" C. (Guardabascio) DeVito age 88 of Canton, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. A lifelong Canton resident, Carmie was born in 1937 to the late Joseph and Mary (DiFiori) Guardabascio. She was a graduate of Timken Vocational High School and won their Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. John A. DeVito, brother-in-law Edward "Tony" Sliman and niece Nicole Sliman.

Carmie's greatest devotions were her family, faith and flowers. She loved her "5 boys" and was an incredible wife, mom and grandmother. Her unselfish nature never allowed her to learn the meaning of no, always willing to help anyone. She had the patience of a saint and was truly admired by all who knew her. With a passion for authentic cooking, her meatballs, stromboli and chocolate chip cookies were known for miles around. She enjoyed traveling with friends to many exciting international destinations and was an avid OSU Buckeye fan.

Carmie's creativity was always on display in unique floral and landscape designs. She frequently would be seen in her yard creating beautiful gardens with abundant colors and blooms. Carmie was a past President of Canton Garden Center and Garden Club of Ohio and received many accreditations and awards. She was a Certified Professional Horticulturalist, Master Flower Show Judge and Master Landscape Design Consultant. Carmie also volunteered as a docent at the National First Ladies' Library in Canton. She was an active parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, HOPE ministry member and helped decorate the church throughout the year.

Carmie is survived by her children and their spouses, Dr. Kurt (Michelle) DeVito of Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. John DeVito of Canton, Dr. Michael (Diane) DeVito of Wilmington, NC, Peter (Beth) DeVito of Cleveland, and Eric (Kelley) DeVito of Millersville, MD, grandchildren Kristopher DeVito, Thomas DeVito, Jessica DeVito, Joseph DeVito, Luke DeVito, Andrew DeVito, Simon DeVito, Jay DeVito, Samuel DeVito and Claire DeVito. She is also survived by her twin sister, Carolann Sliman and her daughter, Noelle Sliman and other nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, October 9th from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at Rossi Family Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 10th, 11 am, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Donald King. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Canton Regency for all their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carmie's name to the Canton Garden Center.