Carl R. Fossaceca

GIRARD - Carl R. Fossaceca, 91, died peacefully early Sunday morning, Aug. 7, 2016, at Shepherd of the Valley in Niles.

Carl was born Oct. 30, 1924, in Youngstown, a son of the late Carlo and Rosa Marinelli Fossaceca. He was the youngest of three brothers and four sisters, and his youth was spent on Byron Street on the city’s east side. Carl spoke warmly of his memories of growing up during the Great Depression, playing in the streets and nearby parks, and although his family was not wealthy, they always had each other and a safe place to call home.

Carl joined the U.S. Navy after attending Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception Schools, and graduating from Youngstown East High School, and was stationed in Australia during World War II.

After returning home from the Navy, he worked for Republic Steel and lived with his family at home on Byron Street. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Mary Lou DePietro, of Girard, and they were happily married in St. Rose Church in Girard on June 4, 1949.

The newlyweds began their married life living on Abbey Street in Girard, with several members of Mary Lou’s family. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Carl, while living there, and moved to East Kline Street in Girard in 1955. Shortly thereafter, they were once again blessed, this time with the birth of their daughter, Susan, and lived happy lives as an Italian-American family in a friendly and close neighborhood. Carl continued to work at Republic Steel as a hooker and die-setter for 39 years, until his retirement in the early 1980s.  After retirement, Carl was seen regularly walking the streets of Girard as part of his exercise program.

Sadly for Carl and his family, his wonderful, beautiful wife of 27 years, Mary Lou, was called to heaven in 1976. The loss of his spouse did not stop Carl from enjoying his life, though he never remarried. Carl continued to live on Kline Street up until his recent decline in health which eventually took him to Shepherd of the Valley in April of this year. Carl remained close to his family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances throughout his life. He had few regrets and lived a good life.   

Carl enjoyed the music of Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, and many others throughout his life. He was a great and generous friend to all who knew him and was one of the best joke-tellers around. He was an excellent cook and winemaker, and he was very involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, especially his grandson, Anthony. Carl loved his Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns, and he was a big Ohio State Buckeye and Youngstown State University Penguins’ fan throughout his life.

Carl leaves to share in his memory his son, Carl Jr., and daughter-in-law, Diane, of McDonald; his daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, Andy Kordic of Garland, Texas; his grandsons, Anthony and Christopher (Haidee) Fossaceca, and Ryan Kordic; his granddaughters, Andrea Kordic, Julie Jamieson, and Cara (Marco) Pecchia; and six great-grandchildren, to whom he was close and who affectionately called him, “Papa.”  Carl also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law, Loretta Panno and Dolores DePietro.

Besides his parents, Carlo and Rosa, and his wife and love of his life, Mary Lou, Carl was preceded in death by brothers, Steve, Frank, and Joe Fossaceca; sisters, Ann Seefred, Angie Kolk, Ida Burns, and Vicky Ontko; and several nieces and nephews. Carl is finally reunited with his wife and family in heaven, where they are celebrating his arrival.

Carl asked, prior to his death, that those who come to calling hours wear something wine-colored or wine-themed as a celebration of his life. Any tears should be “tears of joy” instead of sadness. Carl was ready to be with the Lord, his wife, Mary Lou, and his family, and he hoped that his life brought some happiness and joy to those that knew him.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 222 S. State Street, Girard, where funeral services will follow at 7 p.m.

Carl’s family requests that donations be made to the donor’s favorite charity in Carl’s name.

Carl’s family would also like to thank Dr. Robert Bisel and Dr. Keith Black and their staff for their excellent care as well as the staff at Shepherd of the Valley and with Harbor Lights Hospice.

May Carl finally rest in peace.