Obituary of Carmelo Fotia

FOTIA, Carmelo "Carmen" Passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, March 26, 2020. Carmelo Fotia was in his 92nd year. Beloved Husband of Bruna Fotia (nee Paviglianiti) for 60 years. Dear Father of John (Kathy), Grace (Domenic) and Martha. Loving Nonno of Joseph and Carmelina Fotia and Daniela, Gianna and Saveria Iellamo. Survived by brothers, Salvatore (Francesca) and Francesco and sisters-in-law Vittoria and Maria, brothers-in-law Paul Paviglianiti (the late Penny) and Carmen Paviglianiti (Karen). Also predeceased by parents Paolo and Mattia (nee Aristone), brothers Giuseppe, Giovanni and Domenic and sisters Anna, Antonia and her spouse Paolo. Carmelo was also loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Carmelo was a proud officer of "La Guardia Di Finanza" a customs police force in Italy for 5 years. Born on July 16, 1928. He immigrated from Pellaro, Reggio Calabria, Italy to Canada in 1951 and married Bruna (nee Paviglianiti) in 1959. He worked hard to provide for his family yet found the time to leave his mark on the London Italian community. In the early years of his involvement with the Marconi club, he played a significant role in establishing Marconi Soccer Club and fundraised for the many youth teams. He served as a director of the board for many years and eventually served a term as the President of the club. Carmelo had a passion for charity and received immense satisfaction in helping the less fortunate in our community. One of his proudest achievements was the founding of the annual Marconi Christmas dinner for those in need. He also served as a member of the Rotary Club and initiated a Marconi Scholarship Fund for students applying to post secondary education. A very special thank you is extended to the staff of Meadow Park Nursing Home where Carmelo had been residing since September 2018. Their care and compassion was greatly appreciated. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and St Joseph’s Hospitality Centre, both in London Ontario. A family interment will be taking place, followed by a Mass in Carmelo's memory to be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at: www.donohuefuneralhome.ca