Vricella, Carmela (nee Baldassarre), age 96 of Totowa at rest in Paterson on July 9, 2026.  Beloved wife of the late Antonio Vricella (2006).  Loving mother of Louis Vricella of Little Falls, Angela Santelli of Totowa, and Madeline "Milena" Vricella & Husband Brian King of Totowa. Adoring grandmother of Antonio-James King of Totowa. Sister of Cirene Baldassarre of Italy. Dear daughter of the late Giuseppe and the late Maria (nee Novello) Baldassarre.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in the USA and in Italy, 3 late brothers and 5 late sisters, as well as her beloved pet dog, Bella.

Carmelina was born in Montefalcione, Providence of Avellino.

Carmelina was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Paterson, where she was an active member of the Italian Club. She found great joy in volunteering for the annual St. Joseph's Table, attending parish dinner dances, and taking special trips to Atlantic City, Padre Pio, and overseas with her dear friend, Sister Gisella. Together, with other good friends they traveled to France, Barcelona, Canada, Israel, and many other destinations, creating cherished memories along the way.

Carmelina was well known for her incredible cooking and baking. Her signature specialties included struffoli, rice pie, fig cookies, handmade fusilli and pizza. The kitchen was truly the heart of her home, where she could often be found writing and exchanging recipes with family and friends, always eager to share a favorite dish or cooking tip.

She graduated from the Neapolitan School in Naples, Italy, before immigrating to America, where she married and raised her family. A talented seamstress by trade, Carmelina continued her craft long after retirement by providing alterations for neighbors and friends. Every fitting was done in the kitchen and was usually followed by an espresso and a friendly chat.

Carmelina loved bringing family and friends together around the table, where she delighted in sharing stories of her hometown in Italy. Although she built a wonderful life in America, she deeply missed her family in Italy. She wrote to them often and treasured every opportunity to return for visits.

Her boundless energy never faded. A lifetime of hard work on her feet and her love of long walks kept her active and youthful. She was a familiar sight walking the Boulevard, always greeting those she met with a smile.

Above all else, Carmelina's greatest joy was her grandson, AJ. She often said she had waited 80 years for his arrival, and he became the light of her life. She cherished every moment spent playing with him, watching him grow, and surrounding him with the endless love that defined her life.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum, 52 Totowa Road, Totowa, on Tuesday at 11:00 AM. Entombment to follow. Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, is in charge of the arrangements. In her memory, donations to St. Mary’s RC Church, 410 Union Ave., Paterson, NJ 07502, would be appreciated.