Obituary of Carmela M. Tota

Carmela Mercurio Tota passed away peacefully on October 25, 2018 from heart failure. She was three weeks shy of her 100th birthday and looking forward to the celebration planned for her. Mel, the youngest of six children, was born in Greenwich Village on November 15, 1918 to Marianna (Rossi) and Nicholas Mercurio, and lived there until the family moved to Brooklyn in the late 1930s. She acquired her undergraduate degree from Hunter College, and then moved on to graduate studies. Mel began her lifetime commitment to education as a teacher in the Syosset and then Hempstead school districts on Long Island. In the late 1950s she began a career with the New York City Board of Education as a teacher at PS 67 near the Navy Yard in Brooklyn. After some years teaching at PS 67 Mel accepted a position at Board of Education headquarters and helped to create a program called "Higher Horizons." She eventually became Director of the Office of Monitoring of Funded Programs. She was admired by her colleagues for her intellect, humor and ability. In 1972 she married Joseph Tota and they had twenty- six happy and eventful years together. Her marriage brought a step-son into her life and a step-grandson and his family whom she cherished. She developed a very close relationship with Joe's family and was beloved by them as well as four generations of her own nieces and nephews. She was everyone's favorite aunt. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Reposing Friday, November 2 from 2 to 5 and 7to 9 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home, Inc., 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 9:45 AM on Saturday, November 3 at Good Shepherd R.C. Church, 1950 Batchelder Street, Brooklyn, NY.

Burial will immediately at St. John's Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens.

Please see SERVICE INFORMATION for specific details and directions.

Please take advantage of the condolence tab if you are unable to attend or merely wish to express your love and grief over Carmela's passing.

For Those Wishing to Send Floral Tributes Please Contact Floral Fantasy at 718 238 6978.

Donations in Mel's memory may be made to the Myra Shaw Cancer Research Fund at 1936 E. 24 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11229.