Carmen J. DeGennaro

Carmen Joseph “Bear” DeGennaro, 89,  beloved husband, father and grandfather,passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Bear was born on May 13,1930 in Niles, Ohio, the son of the late Marco and Rose Maiorca DeGennaro.

Carmen graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1949. He served proudly in the UnitedStates Army during the Korean Conflict stationed in Germany. Achieving the rank of Corporal,he was inducted March 15,1951, and was transferred to the Army Reserve on March 1, 1953.

On November 27, 1965, he married the love of his life, Rosalind M. Turello, and they made theirhome in Niles. They had one daughter, Maribeth. With pride, Carmen and Roz enjoyed their trips to Ohio Northern University as Maribeth studied there and achieved her pharmacy degree.

Bear was employed first as a silk screen artist at Steven’s Metal. He furthered his career as a machinist at Republic Steel in Warren ,Ohio. Then, he retired in the 1990s. Additionally, he was an usher at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church in Niles , as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He will be remembered as a very gentle and kind man who made friends with everyone he met.

Bear was well known in Niles as an accomplished and gifted bowler and golfer, participating in many leagues. He won a Gold Metal in the Senior Bowling Olympics, as well as many golfing honors. He spent multiple fun hours instructing his grandsons in both sports. Also, he was anavid fan of the Niles Red Dragon and his beloved Notre Dame.

Besides his talents in athletics, his love of music led him to teach ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Studios. His love of music reflected as he proudly watched those same grandons participate in high school and community bands.

Bear will be deeply missed and always remembered by his wife, Roz and his daughter Maribeth(Kevin) Wadman, his grandsons Zachary Wadman and Justin Wadman; and his sisters-in-law Sylvia Maholtz and Nancy (Bill) Hoover;and many nieces and nephews.

Carmen was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Suntine DeGennaro Infante, and his brother-in-law James Infante.

Family and friends may call Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home, 457 Robbins Ave., Niles where the Mount Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 4:30PM.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM on Monday, June 24,at the Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church, 381 Robbins Ave., Niles preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery where Carmen will be honored for his military services..

Monetary donations may be made to Hospice House of Poland, 9803 Sharrott Rd,Youngstown, Ohio 44514.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

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