Carmela Cervone

Carmela Cervone, 100 years young, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in West Haven, Connecticut, surrounded by her beloved family.

Born on January 25, 1925, in Naples, Italy, Carmela was the cherished daughter of Vincenzo Ponticelli and Maria Giuseppina Serpe. Known for her endless resilience, she navigated many challenges throughout her life, including losing her mother at a very young age, surviving World War II, immigrating to America with her husband to create a better future for their children, and becoming a widow at 42 in a strange foreign land whilst raising three children in Queens, New York.

A talented seamstress and devoted mother, Carmela’s unwavering love for her family was the foundation of her strength. She dedicated her life to providing for her sons and building a business that would give them opportunities for a brighter future. Her devotion to them, and her determination to see them succeed, was her greatest source of motivation. Her passion continued to be shown in the way she ferociously loved and protected her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Carmela will always be remembered for her fiery personality, her deep devotion to her faith, and the unique way in which she showed tough love to those closest to her. As the matriarch of her family, Carmela’s legacy is carried forward by her three sons, Osvaldo, Maurizio, and Anthony Cervone, as well as her 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings, 98-year-old Marianna Ponticelli and 96-year-old Giovanni Ponticelli. She was preceded in death by her brother Raffaele Ponticelli and her beloved husband, Antonio Cervone, with whom she had longed to be reunited with in the afterlife.

Despite the many hardships she faced, Carmela always found a way to hold onto the values that mattered most: family, hard work, showing up for those she loved and hosting family parties despite the 7-day work week.  Her life is a testament to facing fears head-on and doing whatever was necessary for the sake of those she loved.

Carmela will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will forever be remembered with great affection, admiration, and respect.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green, 662 Savin Avenue, West Haven, CT.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM. On Monday, August 4, 2025, all are requested to meet directly in Saint Agnes Church of Precious Blood Parish, 400 Merwin Avenue, Milford, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM.  Interment will be private. 

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