Mr. Carmelo Giardina, a longtime resident of Wilmington formerly of Somerville, passed away peacefully on July 31st, at the Wilmington Health Care Center following a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Angela (Mastroprimiano). Born and raised in Boston's North End he was one of six children of the late Giacomo and Giuseppina Giardina.
"Mello" as he was affectionately known to his family and friends was a retired foreman in the shoe making industry. He worked for well over thirty years in the trade and was employed for many years with the Lawrence Made Shoe Co. in Lawrence, MA and with the Soft Spot Shoe Co. of Nashua, NH. Mello also worked for a number of years as a jewelry salesperson in Boston at the Jewelers Building. Mello proudly and honorably served as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 during WWII.
Mello enjoyed watching television and loved old movies especially old western films staring John Wayne. He enjoyed good food and loved to cook and care for his garden. But his greatest joy came from being with his family and he cherished his time with his grandchildren.
Mello is survived by his devoted daughter, Joanne Swanson and her husband Gregg of Reading. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Mike and Lauren Swanson both of Reading. He is further survived by his brother Jack Giardina of Lynn, sisters Fanny DelVecchio and Ante Giardina both of Lynn.
In addition to his late parents and wife, Mello is predeceased by his brother, the late Guy Giardina, and sister, the late Frances Giardina.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 374 Main St., Wilmington on Thursday, August 4th, from 3 to 7 PM and again on Friday morning, August 5th, at 9 AM prior to leaving in procession to St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington for a funeral mass celebrated at 10 AM. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.