Raffaele Carullo 1923-2016
Raffaele Carullo passed away in Florida. He was 92. He is survived by his son Nick, daughter-in-law Shirley, 3 grandsons Brock, Nicholas & Matthew, their wives Roxanne, Janessa, & Natalie. He had 4 great grandsons Cash, Mason, Brycen and Matthew. His niece Linda Soave and husband Tony. Sadly, Pa will miss the first Carullo girl born in two generations. Nicholas and Janessa expect the highly anticipated birth of Isabella Grace Carullo in November. His beautiful boxer Primo will miss him dearly. Primo is terrific with the grand boys. He is as kind and gentle as Pa who raised him from a pup.

Pa legally immigrated from Orsogna, Italy in 1940. His future wife Filomena was on that same boat that brought so many wonderful people here. Like so many Italians of their generation. Nana and Pa worked long hours, saved money, purchased a home and sacrificed for their child. Pa and Nana stressed the importance of a solid work ethic, individual achievement, strong friendships, maintenance of a sound Italian heritage, as well as a tremendous love of America and all of the opportunities it offered its citizens.

They did love their Italian and Orsognese roots. Pa tried to never miss a Friday night out at the Orsogna Club in Boston and then in Everett. Pa and Nana also kept the old country alive with their large circle of Orsognese friends “the gang”. This group provided ample opportunities to reminisce, eat, drink, dance and play. Great people, great times.

He enjoyed living his later years in Florida close to Nick & Shirley and their boys. Shirley coordinated a wonderful 50th anniversary bash for Pa and Nana in Tampa. Open bar, Pa’s wine, great dinner and dancing. Family and friends came down from Boston to make it a memorable event. More recently, she organized a cruise for Pa on his 90th birthday. Family, friends, and children totaled 23 attendees.  Pa and Nana loved to hold Wednesday night dinners for the family. When Nana passed away, Pa took over. As the family grew, Shirley took on this family tradition at her home. Attendees included immediate family, dear friends Cathy and Steve who Pa loved as a daughter. Krista and Eric joined the circle when her parents passed on. Now the family and Pa had their own personal physician. The dinner table generally seats 12-20 people depending upon the snowbird population. Pa loved it. He saw family and children each week. Great food, drinks, conversation and of course a fair amount of wonderful great grand baby chaos.

Pa was a courageous man. He battled back from brain surgery in 2014. He defied physician predictions several times. He was able to eat again and take his place at the head of the Wednesday night dinner table. He continued to work at his garden and help Nick and Shirley clear their huge property with Primo tagging along. We will miss our yardman immensely and his garden goodies.

Funeral from the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main Street on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 9:00 am.  A Prayer Service will be held in the funeral home at 10:00 am.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited.  Visiting hours are Friday only, 4:00 to 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL  34238. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.  Complitmentary valet parking will be available during Friday’s Wake.