Carmella J. (Luvera) Giruzzi

Mrs. Carmella J. (Luvera) Giruzzi, 93, of Utica, passed away peacefully at her home, Thursday, September 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born in Seminara, Reggio Calabria, Italy, October 14, 1930, a daughter of the late Carmine and Domenica (Bilardi) Luvera. She came to the U.S. in 1948. On April 25, 1953, she was united in marriage with her beloved husband, the late John F. Giruzzi, Jr. Carmella and John shared 34 loving years of marriage and shared six children, thirteen grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren. 

Carmella devoted her life to her family and was the best mother, grandmother and great grandmother on earth, but it didn’t end there, she also cared for her parents and siblings, as well as, many nieces and nephews, whom she also helped raise. Carmella was forced to grow up at a young age, and began cooking for her family at the age of seven.  She became an outstanding cook, whose cooking and baking skills were legendary, and was well known for many authentic Italian pastries, desserts, fresh sausage, and was especially proud of her “sausage in the oil” always made with a “diablo” edge.

Carmella loved to entertain her family, friends, and even strangers. No matter who showed up at her door, she would invite them in to have something to eat. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Carmella remarked on her beauty and compassion for others. Carmella was a devout Catholic and a proud member of St. Mary Mount Carmel Church, where she always enjoyed the church festival in the summer, gathering with her friends and family to enjoy a sausage and pepper sandwich, and a piece of pizza fritta.
A truly strong woman, she faced many tragedies and hardships in her life, but she met them head on with courage and determination. She is a tough act to follow. Rest in peace, Nonnie.

She is survived by her beloved children, John and Kim Giruzzi, Carmen “Tumby” and Michele Giruzzi, Francine and Stephen Daley, Michael and Sharon Giruzzi,  and Christopher Giruzzi; grandchildren, Alyssa and Keith Bashaw, John Giruzzi, IV, Erica Schneider, Amanda and Jonnie Sullivan, Nicole Giruzzi, Ashure and Aaron Hartkopf, Mandy Casaletta, Stephen and Leah Daley, Michael and Dr. Jessica Daley, Michael Giruzzi, Jr., Nicholas Giruzzi, Tamrin Giruzzi, and Isabella Giruzzi; great grandchildren, Charles Bashaw, Ashton Giruzzi, Collin Schneider, Liyah Schneider, Liam Sullivan, Finn Sullivan, Isla Sullivan, Dominica Rivera, Gianna Rivera, Khloe Hartkopf, Sophia Hartkopf, Charles Daley, Owen Daley, Linden Daley, Hadley Daley, Henry Daley, Bentley Smith, Aarik Castellino, and Audrielle Joslin; many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins here and in Canada.

Carmella was predeceased by her husband, John; daughter, Susan; sister, Rosie Luvera; sister, Jenny Maggio and her husband, Frank; brother, Vincent Luvera and his wife, Kay; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John Sr. and Philomena "Fannie" (Basile) Giruzzi; brother-in-law, Franklin “Butch”  Giruzzi and his wife, Angela; sister-in-law, Corinne “Bunny” Filletti and her husband, Carmen; sister-in-law, Patricia Powers and her husband, Ron; and nephews, Joseph Maggio, Gino Maggio, and Carmen Filletti.

Carmella’s family extends sincere thanks and gratitude to Carmella’s caregivers, her oldest grandchild, Nicole, as well as, Dominica, Gianna, Lori, Kelly, Jakki, and Lisa. Sincere thanks are also extended to the nurses and staff at Hospice and Palliative Care, and Marie Mastro, who visited regularly to administer communion and pray with Carmella.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10 am September 21, 2024, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. As was Carmella’s wish, there will be no calling hours and the family will greet visitors following mass. Interment will be beside her husband and daughter at St. Agnes Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice and Palliative Care at hospicecareinc.org or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org

Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home, Utica.

Online memorials at MattFuneralHome.com

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