Carmela Gandolfo, of Massapequa, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 27th 2021. She was 93.

She was born Carmela Arestivo in Brooklyn, NY on November 10th, 1927. She graduated from Lafayette High School in Brooklyn, and married her high school sweetheart, John Gandolfo (1926-2011), in 1947.

Carmela was the heart of the family. Her hand-knit clothing kept her family warm and cozy. Her embroidery adorned her home and inspired those who visited. Sunday pasta dinners were revered among her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and, most of all, her husband. She was also a talented writer. She wrote of her family’s emigration from Italy to America, short stories, and memoir pieces about her life growing up in 1930s Brooklyn. Her grandson, Peter, compiled some of her writing into a book called, Cent’ Anni.

She is survived by her three children (John Gandolfo, Christine Vanderberg, and Fred Gandolfo), 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Good Shepherd Hospice, 110 Bi-County Blvd., Suite 114, Farmingdale, NY. 11735.