The story
Following Carmelo’s wishes he will be cremated and a private memorial for the immediate family will be held at the scattering of his ashes.
Please do not send gifts or flowers. Notes or cards are welcomed and may be sent to:
Lillian Delgado
3935 Shainline Court
Collegeville, PA 19426
If you wish to make a small donation, please consider the Fight Colorectal Cancer organization, a nonprofit for colon and rectal cancer.
https://fightcolorectalcancer.org
Memory wall
19 tributes have been left in memory of Carmelo Delgado.
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Gillian, our fathers were from the same small town in Puerto Rico. I bet they're both looking down on us wondering how their girls ended up in the same small town in NY. Gillian, I am thinking of you and your family today and wishing you strength and peace.
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Gillian and family, our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Thank you for letting us get to know how special Carmelo was through this wonderful tribute and through all of the kind words written about him here. We are not at all surprised to learn that he was an incredible person on so many levels. May all of the beautiful memories you have bring you comfort today and always.
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Carmel was a gem of a man. Such a beautiful soul. We loved spending time talking with him and always felt the warmth of his gentle spirit. We will miss him.
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This is a tribute from Chaplain Greg Porter: Carmelo was an exceptional man whom I had the privilege to get to know during his treatments at the Cancer Center. Unlike so many, he never lost his sense of wonder about life, God and this present world. He knew, at some deeply intuitive level that the world was enchanted and therefore wanted to learn as much as he could so as to insure that he did not miss a thing. He was deeply grateful for my prayers and for the care of those around him. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to say as much. The world has lost a hero, an exceptional gift from God. May the Lord hold out his shepherding staff and bring Carmelo home, all the while offering the comfort necessary to Lillian, the children, grandchildren and to all of us who knew and loved Carmelo so very much. -Chaplain Greg Porter
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Carmelo was a quietly joyous and deeply spiritual man. He embraced each day as a gift, an opportunity to learn something new. With each discovery, whether grand or granular, Carmelo's appreciation of the wonders of the world expanded. He was a scholar, an intellectual, but never did one feel inferior in his company. Learning was a noble endeavor; people could disagree, but never disrespect. Family meant everything to Carmelo. As a husband, he unabashedly showered Lillian with love and affection. They were true soul mates and as a team, unrivaled. So much caring, so much respect. To be in their company was a true pleasure. As a father, Adrienne and Gillian were warmed by his love, and grew with his encouragement. He loved them dearly and was their greatest fan! As a grandfather, Carmelo was in a class by himself. To Alexandra and Audrey, "Abba" earned a special place in their hearts. He sat with them for hours on end, uninterrupted, laughing, playing, learning, engaging, bonding. Nothing was more important than their time together and, oh, they will miss him so.
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What a wonderful memorial page! The photos remind us of of many of the special moments in Carmelo's life and how he was loved by friends and family. The kids, Elise, Nik, and Martin will miss their uncle's many gifts (especially his intelligence, wit, sense of humor, and unending love of literature). They wish they could have had more years to spend with him. He will be remembered and missed by us all, especially by his brother David and his mother Panchita.
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Hey Dad. (Pause). Well, this is difficult- (big understatement). You know I hate to be blasphemous about the written word we both loved, but I gotta tell you, the English language is a bit inept at describing the cauldron inside those of us who love you best. But hey, it is what it is, right? Anyhow and sideways… (Sigh). You were always there. I mean, oak tree rooted. Boulder, immobile. Vines stubborn on stucco. Present. There. Always. Speaking of always… OMG you were always the biggest braggart EVER in the history of brag. Gold medal, yours. Supermarket clerk, work colleague or neighbor- no one was exempt from you bragging up your wife and 2 daughters. A crayon drawing was the next Monet and no man on planet earth beheld a better mate. (Bigger sigh- I know, too much right? But it’s my tribute and I’ll sigh if I want to). Memories… Comic book collections and beauty salon. Ben Hur. Fabrications and fun. Ten Commandments and Camels. Small time hoods. Subway doo-ops. Creature from the Black Lagoon. Junior meets Blondie. Meeting at the monument. Times Square and JFK. White lies and rendezvous. Tiffany’s and true love. Vietnam and e.m. cummings. Snap kicks and sunny Sunday strolls in Central Park. Diapers and dissertation. Wild Turkey on a calm night in a dusky bar- side of ginger ale, please. Private jokes and pool halls. Kung-fu and karate mates making meal time nonsense. “Make it, Blue”. Black Magic Woman. Call me Doctor. ’64 Chevy and “are we there yet?” Lay off. New birth. Azaleas galore. Bad-mitten and head stands. Violin and Cello. Wall paper-black. Purple tub. Greenery. Pinochle and pool. Laughter and love. Cook-outs and popcorn. Ups. Downs. Life. (Small sidebar)- This tribute only allows for one candle- but hey, I know you Dad- You’re thinking candelabra or a really big torch. To conclude - Fact: You were always there…and now you’re not. Fact: Deep holes exist. Love you now and beyond. Peace Out.
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Gillian and family, your father sounds like a wonderful, brilliant, amazing dad and granddad. The photos make it evident how much he loved you all. I am so very sorry for your loss and hope the many years of joy you had with him will carry you through the difficult times. Dawn G.
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This one's for us Dad. 1974?, maybe '75. Let's reminisce- You. Me. Jamming.
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This is such a beautiful tribute page. I'll always remember Carmelo as someone who radiated positive light -- warm, smiling, upbeat and inquiring. He embraced live with humor and great enthusiasm, whether it was talking about books, hanging out with the family, or playing doubles ping pong with Jason, Jack, and Michael (remember that?). I will miss his wonderful spirit.
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