Carmela Libero

On August 24, 2023 Carmela Libero (Carmela Caterina Cattafi) passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was 96 ½ years old. Carmela was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother. She considered her family a great blessing and loved them with all her heart and soul. Carmela was also a woman of incredible faith who deeply loved the Lord and prayed for others every day. She was kind and compassionate to anyone she met and was loved and respected by everyone who knew her.

Carmela was born on December 8, 1926 in the town of Castroreale on the Italian island of Sicily. She was the second of eight children. As the oldest daughter, Carmela helped her mother with the cooking and household chores, as well as with the care of her younger siblings. She grew up in a humble but happy home with parents that were devout Catholics. Carmela found strength and hope in her faith as she became a young woman. She used that strength to overcome the early death of her father and later the death of one of her children.

In 1951 Carmela married Francesco Libero, and they had four children. Tragically they lost their third born child before deciding to immigrate to the United States in 1969. After settling in New Jersey, Carmela gave birth to her fifth and last child in 1971. Living in the United States as a new immigrant family was challenging, but Carmela and her husband worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their children to ensure the best possible future for them. All their hard work paid off as they proudly watched each child get married and begin families of their own. As Carmela’s family grew, so did her faith in God and her love for her family. Her daily prayers for her children and grandchildren and her love for them was her greatest gift and legacy.

Carmela was predeceased by her husband, Francesco, of 61 years, and by her son, Salvatore. She is survived by her four surviving children, Melina, Pina, Santino, and Sandra. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren, Michael, Michelle, Patricia, Shelly, Jenny, Amanda, Josie, Alex and Sarah, as well as her 7 great-grandchildren, Jimmy, Tyler, Mia, Connor, Angelica, Vinny, and Sicily, and her 2 great great-grandchildren, Luna and Lucas.

Visitation will be held from 8:00 to 10:00AM on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at St. Cecelia Church, 45 Wilus Way, Iselin.

Entombment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Donate Online