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Carmen M. Cannella Obituary

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Carmen M. Cannella

Johnsonburg, PA

April 17, 1928 - November 23, 2022

Carmen M. Cannella Obituary

Carmelo Mario “Carmen” Cannella, age 94 of Erie Avenue, St. Marys and formerly of Johnsonburg, died November 23, 2022 at Christ the King Manor after a short illness.  A son of the late Giacomo and Adeline (Ranieri) Cannella, he was born on April 17, 1928 in Amantea, Cosenza, Italy.  He married Christine A. (Andersen) in 1965, who survives in St. Marys.

Along with his wife, Carmen is survived by: a daughter, Steffie “Mary” Cannella-Beck and her husband Jeff Beck of Westminster, MD; a step-son, Ray (Roxanne) Wile of Centerville, PA; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister, Tecla Pontious of Ridgway; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Carmen was preceded in death by: a great-grandchild, Carsen Davis; two brothers, Aldo and James Cannella; and a sister, Flora Spinosa.

Carmen started his working career at the Diamond Casting Company at age 15, which he later purchased and turned into his home. Carmen also worked on the railroad and later worked for the Johnsonburg Paper Mill where he retired after 43 years of service. Carmen lived all but several years of his life on Terra Cotta Road in Johnsonburg PA and was a lifelong member of the Holy Rosary Parish in Johnsonburg.  He volunteered much of his free time to assist with maintenance of the church, school and convent and with the Cursillo Program. He served in the US Army from 1952 - 1960 achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was proud of his service in the United States Army as a Korea War Era Veteran stationed in Arlington Hall, Virginia.  The Army opened his eyes to the greater United States and he shared this drive to see the world with his daughter.  He always remembered the heroes from Johnsonburg and the greater Elk County who served and lost their lives in service to this great country. So proud to be US citizen, even after his military service, he had to meet with his congressman in DC to secure his treasured citizenship. After his retirement from the Johnsonburg Paper Mill, one of Carmen’s proudest moments was serving on the city council of Johnsonburg and developing new professional relationships, friendships and staunchly advocating for the betterment of the town he so loved. His biggest joy was being able to visit his birthplace in Amantea, Cosenza several times. He absolutely loved all Italian cuisine and his fondest memories are the meals he had in Italy with his family. His greatest devotion was the Church and his desire to be close to God.  He found great solace, hope and comfort in Jesus, the Holy Mother, and Saint Padre Pio. Carmen was a lifetime loyal friend especially to his family and his friends.  He was a 'Prince of a Man'.

There will be no public visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held, 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Johnsonburg, with Father David Wilson.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg/Ridgway Servicemen’s Detail. Military members are asked to assemble at the Ubel Funeral Home, 9:00 a.m., Tuesday.

Interment will take place in the Holy Rosary Cemetery of Johnsonburg.

The family suggests memorials to the Johnsonburg Senior Center and will be accepting online condolences at the Ubel Funeral Home website (www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com).

 

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Carmen M. Cannella hosted by Ubel Funeral Home and Ralph M. Geer Funeral Home.

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Carmen M. Cannella.