Carmella Zanello
June 05, 1921 - July 02, 2026
Obituary
The family of Carmella May (nee Polilla) Zanello, of Madison, Wisconsin is saddened to announce her passing on July 2, 2026, at the age of 101 years, peacefully in her sleep. Carmella was born on May 2, 1925, in Buffalo, New York, to John and Rose (Ferrinola) Polilla. She grew up in Buffalo, NY where she met Philip Louis Zanello. They were married on November 9, 1943. They moved to the Midwest and resided there until Phil’s passing on January 28, 1967. Carmella was an assembler of timing devices at Honeywell Technologies in Buffalo Grove, IL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Phil; longtime companion Robert Samuels; and brother Carmen (Angelina) Polilla.
Carmella met her companion Robert Samuels, and they moved to Florida until his passing in 2002. She relocated to Madison, Wisconsin in 2017. She enjoyed bingo with friends, china painting, water coloring, but most importantly being with her family. “When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we are far apart, for every time you think of me, I am right here inside your heart.”
Carmella is survived by her sons, Alex, Philip (Lorraine), and Paul. “Dear sons, there is a space in my heart that is always yours”; grandchildren Jennifer (Jeremiah) Gibbs, Angela (Tim) Vinson, Tony (Arielle) and Kristine (Tom) Blitek and 9 great grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces and nephews, other family and friends.
A private family burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Buffalo, NY, with her husband. A special thanks to the staff of Charter of Madison and Moments Hospice for their loving care and support.
To view her obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257