Carmelo J. Rappazzo

Messina, Italy – Carmelo ("Charlie") J. Rappazzo, 93 years "young", passed away on August 29, 2015 in Messina, Italy, after a brief illness. He was laid to rest in Villafranca Tirrena, Messina, Italy on August 31.
Born December 5, 1921, Carmelo was the son of Carmelo and Maria Rappazzo of Messina. He was a member of the Carabinieri a Cavallo in Rome, Italy, and fought for his country in World War II 1940-45 in Eastern Europe. Carmelo came to Albany in approximately 1955, where he met and married Rose Restifo, to whom he was married 30 years. He was employed at Tobin Packing Company for over 25 years. After Rose's death in 1987, Carmelo returned to Messina.

Carmelo is survived by his longtime companion, Franca Crisafi of Villafranca Tirrena; children Andrew of Albany and Mary Stephanie of Latham; grandchildren David, Matthew and Leanna Komoroske of Latham and Veronica Rappazzo of Colonie; brother-in-law Phillip Restifo of Loudonville; sisters-in-law Anne Restifo of Rensselaer, Iolanda Rappazzo and Natalina Rappazzo of Messina, Italy; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, both locally and in Messina.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, September 27, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie.