Carmela Witkowski

With the humble grace of God's will Carmela Ann Polito Witkowski, age 82, of Erie, passed to her heavenly home on Friday August 2, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born December 3, 1941 in Carbendale, PA, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Camella (Esposito) Polito.

As a proud first-generation American Italian, Carmela embraced her heritage throughout her life. After graduating from Strong Vincent High School, she went to Cosmetology School and continued her studies in Toronto and New York City to further her education in management. She eventually became the owner of two successful hair salons before retiring from Famous Hair.

Despite her busy professional life, Carmela found joy in simple pleasures like traveling, playing classical guitar; especially in Italian and Spanish, and engaging in outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, waterskiing, boating, and volunteering on the Flagship Niagara for a summer. She had an artistic soul, finding solace in painting on canvas, had a passion for reading, and loved to laugh. Carmela was known for her kind and patient demeanor towards people and animals.

Carmela's faith in Catholic teachings guided her path. Above all, she found fulfillment in her family, especially her two beloved sons.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her five siblings, Teresa Cimino, John Polito, Frank Polito, Rose Lobaugh, and Mary Majchrzak.

She is survived by loving companion of 40 years, Monica L. Abbate; two sons, Craig Witkowski (Donna) of Naples, FL and Eric Witkowski of Erie; the father of her sons, Larry Witkowski of Cape Coral, FL; special nephew, John Cimino of London, OH; a dearly loved nephew, Robert Lobaugh (Linda) of Erie. She is also survived by many nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews;Brenda Abbate, Debi Moore, and Mark Abbate all of Erie; and her adorable much loved furry four legged friend Roma.

Friends are invited to call on Monday at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. and may attend a service there on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Patrick's Church, 140 East 4th Street, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

A special thank you to the caregivers at Intermin Healthcare Hospice, Kat, Renee, Jamie and Leslie, for the wonderful care and love given to Carmela. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Erie Humane Society, 2407 Zimmerly Rd., Erie, PA 16506 or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org