Carmela “Filippina" Rocciolo, 91, died surrounded by loving family on Monday, June 19, 2023 at her home in Raritan where she resided for 56 years.

Born May 12,1932 to Giuseppe Colloca and Adele (Bursese) Colloca in Mileto, (Calabria), Italy, Carmela grew up during World War II and its aftermath. As the eldest of five children, Carmela took an active role in helping her parents run the household and raise her younger siblings. 

In 1959, she married Luigi “Gino” Rocciolo in Paola, Italy and immigrated to the United States in 1967 with her three children, Silvia, Adriana and Francesco. The family settled in Raritan in the company of many friends from Calabria. 

For over 35 years, Carmela, Luigi and Luigi’s brother, Fortunato (deceased), ran a successful tailoring business, Gino’s Custom Tailoring, on Somerset Street in Raritan. Carmela embraced the opportunities their new country afforded them and selflessly nurtured her family with deep appreciation for their good fortune and prosperity. She loved traveling back to Italy with her family and sustained lifelong connections with family, friends and the beloved land and sea of her birthplace.

Carmela is survived by her devoted husband, Luigi; her three children, Silvia Rocciolo, Adriana (Bruce) Ackerman and Francesco Rocciolo; her grandchildren, Nicholas and Matthew; sisters, Assunta Colloca and Lidia (Giuseppe) Gentile; brothers, Domenico and Mario; sisters-in law, Rosetta Colloca, Anna Catania, Maria, Carmela and Rosa Rocciolo; brother-in-law, Nazzareno Rocciolo; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews throughout Italy and North America.

Carmela was the family's matriarch, holding its center with her fierce and generous heart. She was grounded, humble and brave; indefatigable, spirited and feisty. A skilled maker and great storyteller, Carmela's vibrant energy, ready laugh and deep pleasure in gathering family and friends around countless feasts at the dining table will be profoundly missed by all.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 4-8 pm at Bongiovi Funeral Home (908-725-1887), 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ. A funeral mass will take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 11 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 45 Anderson Street, Raritan, NJ, followed by entombment at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater, NJ.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP - ship908.com), in Somerville, NJ.