Carmelo John Ciaramilaro

Carmelo John Ciaramilaro, 87, beloved father, husband and friend, passed away March 20, 2013 at his home in Studio City, California where he was always surrounded by the ones he laughed with, lived for, and loved.

He was predeceased by his two brothers, Joe and Sam and his sister Christine. He was also predeceased by his parents Salvatore and Michelina Ciaramilaro.

"Carl" was born in Rochester, New York on May 7, 1925, to Salvatore and Michelina Ciaramilaro. He was a talented artist, courageous WWII veteran for the United States Navy and accomplished businessman in the clothing manufacturing industry, owning several factories in downtown Los Angeles throughout his career.

By submitting a self-portrait at age 16, Carl was accepted into Pratt Institute, a private art college located in Brooklyn, New York. A highly competitive school, accepting only 20 percent of all applicants, this was a very proud accomplishment for Carl and he always wondered what it would have been like had he been able to attend. Unfortunately, the war prevented him from pursuing his art.

He went on to serve his country in WWII in the United States Navy. As he often told many, "I went in a boy and came out a man". He served his country well and was always proud to share his stories aboard the USS Murphy Destroyer Ship.

After the war, Carl married Barbara Odom, and had his first daughter, Michele. He then was remarried to Theresa Germano, and had his second daughter, Valerie. In 1967 Carl remarried a third time to Lupe Delfin, and had three children, Yvette, Victoria and Sam.

Carl worked as a custom suit tailor in Los Angeles and enjoyed running his own business. He was highly successful with a long client list of celebrities and high profile individuals (Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, The PGA Tour, & Zsa Zsa Gabor just to name a few). Carl was the man to see for any well-dressed man or woman or performance wardrobe. He had many long time clients.

An avid golfer, bowler, billiard player, cook, baker, swing dancer and lover of poker!! These were the passions and hobbies that he shared with good friends and family members for over 70 decades. There wasn't much that Carl didn't excel at.

Carl is survived by his four daughters, Michele, Valerie and her husband Rick, Yvette, Victoria and her husband, Guy and his son Sam and his wife Alberte; his grandchildren, Debbie, Lisa, Travis, Mark, Clayton, Michelina, Samuel, baby Ciaramilaro on the way; his great-grandchildren Kristy, Blair, Desiree, Alysa, Randy, Katie and Anthony; his sister Mary; his ex-wife and best friend, Lupe, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to JoJo Bunaz. Her dedication and effort to provide quality loving care over the last four years were a heartwarming blessing not only to Carl but to the entire family. Lupe, Michele, Valerie, Yvette, and Victoria thank God for the gift of his life, and we are all thankful for the blessing of the time we spent with him.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA. A memorial service will be held honoring Carl on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 12:30 pm at Forest Lawn, Church of the Hills Chapel 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles 90068.