Obituary of Carmelo M. Crisafulli

DELMAR: It is with a heavy heart that the Crisafulli Family announces the death of Carmelo (Charlie) Michael Crisafulli, who passed away on August 18, 2018, at the age of 86.

Among all else, Charlie, a life-long resident of the Albany area, attached the greatest importance on family values and was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Through his love, compassion, and generosity he provided a haven for his family members to flourish.

Since his earliest youth, Charlie, found tremendous pleasure in the Adirondack Mountains, and no where more than Schroon Lake, where he boated, fished, hiked, hosted scores of fun-filled parties and barbeques, and sought peace and solitude with family and friends. Later in life, Charlie ventured south each winter with his wife, Helen, to Marco Island, Florida, where he reveled in the enjoyment of playing bocce ball and cards with his pals, and spent countless hours plying the coastal and mangrove backwaters fishing with family and friends.

Charlie’s career was sharply focused on his family business, Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing and Heating, which was started by his father, Carmelo Sr., and later run by Charlie and his two brothers, Tony and Sam, and eventually by Charlie, and more recently by some of his children.

Charlie served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956, based in the U.S and in Okinawa, Japan. He attained rank of Staff Sergeant.

Charlie was a man of religious conviction and was a regular practitioner of services and supporter of the St. Thomas Parish, in Delmar, NY. Charlie loved children and sought to provide life-enriching experiences and health benefits to underserved youth through philanthropic activities, and did so through organizations such as St. Catherine’s Center for Children and  

Franciscan Friars of Atonement.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Carmelo Crisafulli, Sr. and Pauline(Sidoti) and his brother Anthony. He is survived by his sweetheart of 66 years, Helen and children, Patti (John O’Neill), Donna (Richard Kuhnmunch), Joe (Tracy Crisafulli), Charlie, Dan (Tami Crisafulli), Andrea (Alan Ayers), and Angela. In addition, Charlie was the patriarch of 17 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Charlie directed boundless enthusiasm, time, and love to these children. In addition he is survived by his siblings Mary Pannitti, Salvatore Crisafulli and Paula Dorsey.

In recognition and farewell to Charlie, on Wednesday, 22 August, 2018, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM a wake will be held at St. Thomas Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar, NY 12054, Delmar, NY. The following morning (Thursday, 23 August 2018), 10:00 AM, a funeral service will be held at St. Thomas Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar, NY 12054. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery,   481 Route 9w, Glenmont, NY 12077.

Following burial, from noon to 2PM  the family of Charlie will host a luncheon at the Normanside Country Club, 150 Salisbury Road, Delmar, NY 12054.

In lieu of flowers or to those wishing to make donations in memory of Charlie may do so through contributions to St. Catherine’s Center for Children, Charlie’s Children Fund, 40 North Main Avenue, Albany, NY 12203.

The Crisafulli Family acknowledges and sends deep thanks and a message of gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff in Unit D5 of Albany Medical Center, and to Doctor David Semenoff for his sincere and helpful guidance.