Carmela R. Salerno

*All persons attending the wake MUST wear a mask upon entering the funeral home and MUST keep it on for the duration of their stay inside the funeral home while continuing to practice Social Distancing.  Thank you for your compliance.

Visiting Hours - Sunday, 1/24, 2:00 - 5:00 PM..

Mass of Christian Burial - Monday, 1/25, 9:30 AM @ St. William the Abbot RC Church..

Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale

www.schmittfuneralhome.com

Before my mother retired, most people knew her to be an honest, empathetic and compassionate businesswoman who always put people first. She was respected and loved. What few know, however, is her very long commitment to public service and social justice.

My mother, Carmela, spent much of her life doing volunteer work. She spent many years as a crisis counselor, a suicide prevention counselor, STI and HIV/AIDS counselor and as a grief counselor for children. She worked in a community health clinic, counseling patients on many issues with the belief that all people have a right to dignity and assistance when needed.

Carmela believed in helping those who need our help. We are all part of the human family and we are all connected.

A cause that was especially important to her is Island Harvest Food Bank. They help people throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, and are a partner with Feeding America. If you are thinking of making a donation in her name, their website is HTTP://www.islandharvest.org.

My mother was a big believer in thinking globally and acting locally. If there are other organizations you love to support, like the Girl Scouts (she was my troop leader), animal rescue groups (she loved all animals), environmental justice or some other community organization, please consider making a donation with my mother’s fierce and compassionate soul in mind.

Thank you all for keeping my mother in your hearts. We love you.