Carmelo M. Garitta, 88, formerly of Milton, currently living in Palmyra, Virginia passed away on February 24, 2021 with his son Rodney and his granddaughter Melissa by his side.
“Carm’s” life filled our minds and hearts with love, wonder, endless conversation, devotion, laughter, dance, Streisand and Sinatra music, fine wine, and Italian cooking and recipes. Most of all, Carm adored his family, and will continue to be cherished by them. Carm's door was open to all, and if you needed a place to stay, his home was the place. Carm was most lovingly known as “Pop”, which means being the best Dad/Grandfather that you could ask for; who is loving, kind, and caring beyond descriptors.
Carm’s parents, Luciano and Maria (DiFiglio) Garitta settled in Poughkeepsie, NY shortly after immigrating from Italy. As the youngest of four children (Carlo, Joseph, and Rosalie), Carm grew up in Mt. Carmel Square. Carm’s entire family lived within blocks of each other. Carm spent a considerable amount of time with his father who managed a grocery store, and the two eventually travelled to Italy to visit family. Carm’s Catholic faith was cultivated at Mt. Carmel Church from a young age, and he continued to be connected to his faith throughout his life.During the Korean War, Carm served in the United States Army, where he became well-known for his ability to correspond with other infantry units. Carm worked for IBM as an engineer analyzer, owned and operated Garitta’s Delicatessen in Milton, NY, and once retired, worked as a courier for LabCorp.
Carm met his soulmate, Mary Jane (Lozier) and they were married on May 18, 1957 in St. Patrick’s Church in Newburgh, NY. They had three children Anne (Ken) Gomola, Michael (Pamela) Garitta and Rodney (Andrea) Garitta. Carm resided in Milton NY for over 50 years, and recently moved to Palmyra, VA where his daughter Anne (Ken) Gomola and several grandchildren resided. Melissa and Thomas Klein became integral parts of Carm’s life. Carm’s grandchildren lit up his life and every time he was with them love flowed, conversations commenced, and time flew.
Carm was blessed with 9 grandchildren Melissa (Thomas) Klein, Maggie Gomola, Michael (Cassandra) Garitta, Emily Garitta, Joe (Jasmyn) Gomola, Mary (Jesse) VanDyke, Kayla Garitta, Vincent Garitta and Sam Garitta. Carm delighted in having five great-grandchildren, Gabbie Santana, Gracie Santana, Kenny Klein, Gloria Santana and Katie Klein. Several nieces and nephews will continue to hold memories of Carm close to their hearts.
Friends and family may pay their respects on Thursday, March 4 from 4 - 7 at DiDonato Funeral Home, Marlboro, NY. Mass to be held at St. Mary’s and St. James Church, Marlboro NY on March 5th at 10:30. Carm’s final resting place will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery & Mausoleum in Newburgh, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the In-Patient Hospice Unit, 3 East, University of Virginia Health System P.O. Box 801454 Charlottesville, Va 22908 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The DiDonato Funeral Service, Inc. (845) 236-4300, didonatofuneralservice.com