Carmella Y. Butera

Carmella “Nel” Butera died peacefully on February 7, 2018, 6 days before her 95th birthday. 

Carmella was born on February 13, 1923 in Pittston, PA.  After high school, she and her high school sweetheart, Pete, eloped and moved to Buffalo, NY.  There, their first child, Margaret was born.  After moving to LeRoy, NY, Carmella worked as a linotype operator for the Leroy Gazette News. Carmella and family eventually settled in Claymont, DE in 1952 where their two sons were born.

Carmella was a loving wife, mother and homemaker while raising her three children in Ashbourne Hills.  She enjoyed selling Dutch Maid clothing, and her best client was Joe Biden’s (deceased) wife, Neilia.  Carmella also worked in the shoe department of Pomeroys, and ended her working career as the business office manager of Riverside Hospital in 1988.

After retiring, Carmella and Pete enjoyed square dancing and also enjoyed traveling.  They traveled to Italy twice, toured Europe and also toured Western America.   

Carmella, who has been a life long parishioner of Holy Rosary church, was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Peter P. Butera; her sisters, Teresa, Itana and Rose; her brother, Angelo; and her granddaughter, Dawn.  She is survived by her children,  Margaret A. Hawkins, Peter I. Butera and Joseph R. Butera; her brother, Joe DeFort; 4 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

A Viewing will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2018 from 11am to 12pm at Gebhart Funeral Home, 3401 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703, followed by a Funeral Service at 12pm.  Emtombment will be private in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.

To offer condolences, please visit:

gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.798.7726

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