A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2016 at Holy Family Church in Poland. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Monsignor William J. Connell will celebrate the Mass in honor of Carmel Marie DeFelice who went to be with her Lord after a long battle with cancer. Her Christian faith, family, and numerous friends sustained her and enabled her to exhibit the courage and grace she displayed throughout her life. Carmel was born July 7, 1938, the daughter of Perino and Giuseppina Gatti of San Pietro Avellana, (Campobasso) Italy. Carmel attended Immaculate Conception School in Youngstown and graduated from East High School in 1957. She then embarked on a career in fashion merchandising, becoming a buyer for Livingstons in downtown Youngstown and House of Fashion in Warren. Carmel could also be seen modeling clothes in the famed "Brown" section of the Youngstown Vindicator, with her long thin legs. She married Anthony James DeFelice from New Castle in 1960, and bore two children, Anthony and Annette. Carmel briefly worked for the Campbell school system and devoted her life to her family, community, and Catholic church. Carmel's generous spirit was on display as she served on numerous committees over the years in support of St. Lucy's Altar and Rosary Society, Campbell City Fest, and the Campbell schools. In 2010, she felt the need to improve kitchen and dining facilities at the St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen, she initiated a fundraising campaign and helped raise over 50,000 dollars on their behalf. For over 30 years, she served as a Eucharistic Minister for home bound residents in the cities of Campbell and Poland, delivering communion after Mass every Sunday. Carmel also worked for the rectory at Holy Family Parish for seven years and used the fruits of her labor to provide financial support for her grandchildren's college expenses, particularly text books. Perhaps Carmel's greatest joy, besides hosting spaghetti and holiday meals for her family and friends in her meticulously kept home, was to dance with her beloved husband Tony. If you were fortunate enough to attend many of the local summer festivals, Brier Hill, the Youngstown City Fest, or Our Lady of Mount Carmel, you would find her on the dance floor enjoying the music, mingling with her many friends, a smile on her face, and dancing the night away. Carmel was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, baby Carmel and Dora, and two brothers, Jimmy and Bobby. Carmel leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband and caregiver Tony; her son, Anthony (Tina Marie) DeFelice of Poland, and her daughter, Annette (Vince) Romeo of Howland; six grandchildren, Marielena (Stan) Gozer, Anthony III, Dominic, Vincenzo, Giuliano, and Luciano; and great grandson, Michael Thomas. She also leaves countless nieces and nephews to recall the many joyous occasions they shared together. Carmel has requested that donations be made to Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Villa Maria Teresa, 50 Warner Road, Hubbard, OH 44425. The DeFelice family wishes to thank all the wonderful friends and family who shared their time on earth at Carmel's table; eating well, laughing often and loving much. "Decolores." Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman. Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Carmel's family.

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