Obituary of Carmella M. Dardeno

LINK to livestream of funeral mass

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Carmella M. Dardeno of Burlington, MA, the beloved matriarch of her family and a treasured member of the community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 98.

Born in Boston to Sicilian immigrants, Philip and Sarah Napolitano, Carmella was one of three children raised in Everett, where Italian values of family, faith, and food were at the heart of her upbringing. She attended Everett High School and worked as a secretary at the Charlestown Navy Yard, but her true calling was always to nurture and care for those around her. She learned from her mother the sacred art of creating a loving, warm home, where traditions centered on culture, religion, and of course, food.

Carmella was the heartbeat of her family, fiercely loving and protective, especially of her children. She instilled the values of the Catholic faith and devotion to family.  She was a force of nature, a woman who commanded respect and admiration through her nurturing spirit and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

It was as a teenager that Carmella met the love of her life, Nick. He delivered groceries to her home and was determined that Carmella would one day be his wife. He serenaded her with “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and despite the distance caused by Nick’s service in World War II, their love thrived through heartfelt letters. When Nick returned home, he proposed, and Carmella, at the age of 20, began a new chapter as a devoted wife and mother. The couple wasted no time starting their family, with Carmella welcoming her first child at 21. They moved to Burlington in 1960, where Carmella quickly became a beloved member of the community.

Her life was rich with friendships, faith, and service. She remained close to her childhood friends, many of whom were part of the “Hele-n Club,” a group that stayed together for over 60 years. She was an active member of St. Margaret’s Church, where she was part of the Catholic Daughters, and she devoted many years to the Burlington Sons of Italy, where she served as treasurer. Carmella’s sense of joy was contagious, and she found great fulfillment in participating in the Burlington Council on Aging’s programs, trips, and volunteer work. She enjoyed lunch dates, coffee with friends, and the “Mystery Rides” that brought so much fun to her later years.

Carmella’s love for her family was boundless, and nothing made her happier than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Sunday dinners, holidays, family vacations to the cottage in Halifax, and road trips throughout New England were cherished moments that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew her. As her children grew older, Carmella embraced the opportunity to explore the world, with trips to Italy, Europe, and countless cruises—though she was never one to pack light!

In her home, family and friends alike felt Carmella’s special presence. Whether during a family celebration, holiday meal, or just a quiet afternoon, everyone knew when Carmella was in the house. Her pride in her family was unmistakable, and she often spoke of them with immense love and admiration. Some might call her the matriarch; others might say she was the queen, but one thing is certain—Carmella’s influence and legacy will never be forgotten. Her high expectations and constant words of encouragement helped guide her family through the years, and in her final years, her children and loved ones rallied around her, ensuring that she maintained her independence and dignity until the very end.

Though we are saddened by her passing, her family will take comfort in knowing that Carmella has been reunited with her beloved Nick, her cherished partner in life and her devoted son Nicky. The memories, laughter, and love she leaves behind will continue to inspire and guide all who were blessed to know her.

Carmella’s legacy of love, family, and devotion will live on forever in the hearts of her family, her friends, and her community. There truly was only one Carmella, and she will be dearly missed.

Carmella was the beloved wife of the late Nicholas Dardeno, Jr.  She was the loving mother of Philip Dardeno & his wife Kathy of Reading, Linda Gerardi of Burlington & her partner Jeff Fisher, and the late Nicholas Dardeno, III and his surviving wife Beverly Dardeno of Groveland.  She was the sister of Jeanne Jones of Burlington and the late Salvatore Napolitano.  She was the proud Granma of Nicholas Dardeno, IV, Diane Dardeno and her partner Ken Yates, Philip Dardeno & his partner Nathan Velluto, Sarah Dardeno, Joseph Dardeno and his wife Danielle of Peabody, Michelle Dardeno & her fiancée Scott Savoy, Alysse Gerardi, Sarina Gerardi & her partner Ivan Bacai, Liana Gerardi and Felicia Gerardi.  She was the proud Great Granma of Jonathan Marks, Jessica Marks, Justin Dardeno, Malia Dardeno, Joey Dardeno, Antonio Dardeno, and Lorenzo Dardeno.  She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burington on Monday, February 10th from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 11^th at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.  Memorials in Carmella’s name may be made to the Burlington Council on Aging, 61 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803 . For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net