Carol Lucille Schiraldi (nee Thomas) was born in Binghamton, New York, to Milton and Lucille Thomas (nee Potter) on December 29th, 1931.

She was the first of seven children, six of whom would live to adulthood. The Thomas family moved to New York City when Carol was about ten years old, taking residence on the top floor of a five story walk-up apartment on 2nd St. It was there that she met her future husband, Anthony Schiraldi, who lived on the second floor in a family of nine.

Finding school not to her liking, Carol explored other professions such as sewing and dress design, finally settling in as a telephone operator for the Bell Telephone Company. Known for her beauty and vivacity, Carol had many suitors but was swept off her feet by Anthony, fit and resplendent in his Marine dress uniform. They were married August 13, 1951, and their marriage lasted until Tony's death 67 years later.

The young couple were stationed at Camp Lejeune following Tony's service in the Korean War. Their only child, David, was born in nearby Cherry Point, North Carolina, in 1956. Their subsequent stations included the territory of Hawaii, Great Lakes Naval station Illinois, and finally San Diego, California, where they settled following Tony's military retirement.

Alongside her duties as a wife and mother, Carol returned to and completed her education. She stayed active by playing tennis and volunteering as a docent at the San Diego Aerospace Museum. She was a world traveler who loved car trips and cruises. She also spent many hours on family genealogy.

When their grandchildren were born, Carol and Tony moved to the quaint rural town of Mint Hill, North Carolina, on the outskirts of Charlotte. They enjoyed a quiet life there in a beautiful house nestled amid a grove of pine trees, with their beloved dogs Heather and Sage. Carol and Tony were heavily involved in the lives of their grandchildren, visiting often and generously providing for their education.

After Tony passed away in 2018, Carol spent her final years in Cleveland, Ohio where her son's family now lived.

Carol is survived by her sister Dorothy Falzone, grandsons Andrew (Meghan) and Peter (Rachel), daughter in law Jane, and great grandchildren Mary, Rose, and Anthony. Carol loved her family and visited often with her sisters and brothers so she is remembered by many nieces and nephews, especially Carol, Tammy and Frank.

Carol's ashes will be interred alongside her beloved Tony in the National Cemetery in Quantico, Virginia, where they began their life together.

Arrangements by Fioritto Funeral Service of Northeast Ohio www.FiorittoFS.com