Carmela Chachakis

Carmela Chachakis (Calvelli), age 90, of Fairfield, CT died peacefully on March 6, 2017 from heart failure. Carmela "Millie" was born on April 27, 1926 in the City of New York to Francesco and Antoinetta Calvelli. She was the eldest of 7 children. She graduated from James Monroe High School in the Bronx and began her career as a stenographer for the US Civil Service Commission, Department of Housing and Home Finance following her graduation. On June 8, 1946 she married her Navy Veteran sweetheart, George, who died in 1975. They resided in the Bronx, eventually moving to Fairfield. During this period she spent many years as a homemaker and found being a grandmother was one of the most joyful times in her life. Carmela was a true lady with many interests. She was an avid collector of books with her favorite being cookbooks, and collections related to alternative health, love and spirituality. She was a great listener and loved to give advice to family and friends. One of her favorite past times was submitting her opinion to the "Talk Back" section of the Connecticut Post in which she had many of her comments published. She was also infamous for a piece that her grand-daughter wrote entitled "Sex Advice from my Grandmother" which was published in the Huffington Post in 2012. She was an amazing cook famous for her signature spaghetti, meatballs and sausage as well as her variety of Italian and Greek Christmas cookies. At Christmas the long dining room table was loaded down from one end to the other with desserts, and friends would drop by for the goodies and to share the always-present laughter. In her later years she began to collect jewelry which she wants her grand-daughters to enjoy. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter Susan DeNisco, and son-in-law Richard of Oxford and her son Paul Chachakis, and daughter-in-law Donna of Westport. She was the beloved grandmother of Alison, Sarah and Spencer DeNisco. She was heartbroken when she lost her eldest son, Richard, on May 26, 2016. She is survived by 2 sisters Elizabeth Gaylor and Sarah Calvelli of New York City and 3 brothers Reverend Jeremiah Calvelli of New Jersey, Leo Calvelli of Delaware and Samuel Calvelli of upstate New York. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Calvelli of California. In addition she is survived by her brother in law, Steve Chachakis of Florida and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind a very special friend Wilma Creatore who provided much love, unbelievable care and support to Carmela and her family over the past 2 years. She is a true angel. The family is grateful for the kind and patient care she received from the Ludlowe Center for Health and Rehabilitation in her final days. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Spear~Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road in Fairfield. Visiting hours will be held Friday, March 10, 2017 from 10AM - 12N, a service to celebrate her life will begin at 12:00PM and interment will immediately follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneral Home.com

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