Carmela J. Marsilii Ianni, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 1st, 2024 in Wilmington, DE.
Born in August 1933 in Wilmington, DE, Carmela was a graduate of the Ursuline Academy and went on to become a licensed cosmetologist and hairstylist at MAJO Hair Studio for over twenty years, often teaching hairstyling classes to her peers. Carmela created the infamous “Carmel Roll” hairdo and continued to maintain her Cosmetology License while actively cutting the hair of friends/family. Carmela was also a semi-professional photographer and used her skills to capture the special moments during family parties while urging everyone to “never forget the feet!” Even if she did not know you personally, she would make a point to take your photo with friends/family while chatting with you along the way.
Carmela is survived by her two sisters, Elvina Marsilii Wilson (James), Regina Marsilii Abbott (Eugene), and her brother William J. Marsilii Jr. (Doris); her four children, Aldo Gibellino (Diane), Madelyn Gibellino Maglin (Barry), Linda Gibellino Wilson (William) & Carmella Gibellino Davies (Bryan); her 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Carmela was predeceased by her parents, William J. Sr. & Madeline Crisconi Marsilii, her two sisters, Angela Marsilii Piane & Beatrice Marsilii Setting, and her two late husbands, Ronald J. Gibellino and James J. Carroll.
Carmela was married to Major General Frances A. Ianni, the Former Adjutant General for the State of Delaware, as well as a Vietnam Combat Veteran and West Point graduate for 30 lovely years. She just adored her “Frankie.” Carmela was the loving stepmother and known as “Carmela-Moo” to her husband Frank’s children Steven E. Ianni, Christina L. Ianni, Marisa A. Tanner, Jeanne M. Ianni and Marjorie I. Malone; his 6 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.
Carmela was loving, poised, savvy, unique, charming, gracious, thoughtful, and known for her remarkable words of wisdom. Often sharing her joy and positivity with her beautiful smile and little laugh, Carmela left her mark on everyone she came into contact with. It has always been said “Everybody loves Carmela!” Carmela was exceptionally dedicated as the Vice President of the “Young at Hearts” program at St. Helena’s, and a very active volunteer for many years at the monthly second Sunday breakfast also held at St. Helena’s.
Carmela was considered the matriarch of her big, Italian family and a class act. Despite her modest clothing, to include a pretty apron and stockings while in the kitchen, she would often surprise people with her witty remarks and edginess. Carmela’s children will be the first to tell you, she wasn’t afraid to throw a shoe from time to time when they would misbehave as children! Always dressed to the nines with her beautiful pins and scarves, she will be a hard act to follow.
Known for her “Sunday Dinners,” Carmela was a fabulous cook and baker. The relatives would look forward to her delicious homemade Italian Wedding Soup and Pizzelles around the holidays. She traveled to Italy, loved ballroom dancing with her other half at the Crystal Ballroom, and enjoyed spending time with her large, extended family on countless occasions. There was no reason needed to throw a family party!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at St. Helena’s Catholic Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carmela’s name may be made to the Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd, Milford, DE 19963, https://vethome.delaware.gov/ or St. Helena’s Parish, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809.
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