Carmela Cunningham

Carmela Theresa Castelluzzo Cunningham, of Washington, died Saturday, September 1, 2007, in Canonsburg General Hospital. She had been ill since 2002. Carmela, was known to her siblings as Camel and to her friends as Connie. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of Vincenzo and Vincenza Farrauto Castelluzzo, where she later met and married a sailor, Reet “Rex” Cunningham, on November 21, 1945, who died on May 14, 1975. Carmela worked for a time at Herd’s Drug Store, volunteered at the Washington Hospital, and volunteered to sit with and care for the sick and infirm. She was also a member of the Edwin Linton Scott, Post 175 American Legion Auxiliary and cooked for events. She enjoyed crocheting and loved babies. During her life, Carmela survived the Depression and several bouts with cancer and heart disease. She was ultimately taken by renal failure. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Betty Cunningham, a daughter, Debra, and a daughter, and pseudo son-in-law, Cathy Cunningham and Steve Judy; daughter-in-law, Sandra Cunningham; a beloved sister, Angelina, five grandchildren, David, Tammy and Christy Cunningham and Joseph and Michelle Cunningham; seven great grandchildren, Matthew Cunningham, Colton and Katrinia Koteles, Kayla and Hunter Stollar, Jessica and Julia Cunningham. Deceased are a son, Joseph Cunningham; four brothers, Salvatore, Charles, Angelo and Joseph; four sisters, Paulina and Rose, who died in infancy, and Paula and Rose. At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation. Friends are invited to a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at Lone Pine Cemetery, 582 Lone Pine Road, Washington, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 Route 136, Eighty Four, PA 15330, as the defenseless puppies and kittens always made her smile. Arrangements are by William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.