Carmela Carnevale

Carmela Carnevale, 86, of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away peacefully on August 11th, 2025 in the care of Suncoast Hospice of Pinellas at Bayfront Medical Center.

Carmela DiTanna Carnevale was born July 9th, 1939 in Capracotta, Italy. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She dedicated her life to family and found joy in service to others, whether it was helping her customers at Rutland’s Department Store (formerly located on Central Avenue) for 40 years or providing delicious meals to her restaurant patrons at Dal’Italia Restaurant (formerly on 4th Street and 22nd Avenue) for more than 15 years.

She loved to garden, cook and spend time with her grandchildren. A meal was always available to be had. She was dedicated to Girl Scout Troop 307.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Sebastiano Carnevale, her children, Giovanna Picardi (her husband Matthew Picardi), Giuliana Carnevale (her husband Casey Terrill), Gina and beloved son-in-law Christopher Hilliard. Carmela had three grandchildren, John Walton (son of Giuliana), Aidan Hilliard, Nicholas Hilliard (sons of Gina and Christopher Hilliard) who were the stars in her eyes. She is survived by her sister Lina Cappelli (Anthony) and her nieces and nephew, Antoinette (Jim), Angelo (Laura) and Mary (Brad), in addition to numerous family members in Italy.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. with reception to follow onsite at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 1900 12th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida.