Carmela T. Croce

CARMELA CROCE (nee Cafazzo), age 85, of Mayfield Heights, OH, died early July 18, 2018 from unexpected heart complications. The capacity of her heart was no longer able to support the enormous amount of love she gave to her family and friends. Carmela was the beloved wife for 28 years of the late Salvatore, loving mother of Carolyn Mandato, Michael Croce (deceased), Chrysty Vitale (deceased) (husband Ron) and Mark Croce (wife Sandy), devoted grandma of Michael Joseph Mandato (wife Jessie), Carmen Marie Mandato, Salvatore and Anthony Croce, Nicholas and Joseph Vitale and Mia Croce and great grandma of Gavin, Giovanni, Lilia and Gracie.. Dear sister of the following deceased: Alvira Cosenza (husband Armand) and WWII Veteran S/Sgt. Peter Cafazzo. Loving aunt of many wonderful nieces and nephews, and especially Elaine Burkholder who was her 'Third Daughter.'

Carmela grew up in the historic Cleveland Blue Rock and Woodland neighborhoods, graduating with honors from John Adams High School. She had a diverse career path before settling into her calling, using her love of customer interaction and sales, retiring with over 30 years of service to Higbee's (Dillard's).

Ensuring family and friends were always filled to the brim, her love of entertaining, cooking and baking were her true passion. You could never leave Carmela's house without a 'snack' and a great story.

Interment All Souls Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis of Assisi Church. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME 5236 MAYFIELD RD., LYNDHURST (EAST OF RICHMOND RD.) 4-8 p.m. FRIDAY.