Obituary of Carmelo Orlando Tornatore

Carmelo (Carmine) Tornatore passed away on November 20, 2021 at the age of 94. Carmine was the devoted husband of Gaetana (Tina) Tornatore for 66 years; father to Jeane Tornatore Brodsky (Russell) and Jim Tornatore (Cynthia Servetas); playful and adoring grandfather of Stephanie Tornatore and Nicholas Tornatore; and great-grandfather to Sophie Tornatore-Bannon. Born in Manhattan on June 16, 1927 to Egidio and Vincenza (Vecchio) Tornatore, he is survived by his loving sisters, Jean Gulisano (age 100) and his younger sister, Maria Pollin. He was pre-deceased by his beloved older brother, Anthony (Tony) in 1988. After attending Haaran Technical High School in Manhattan, Carmine was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, in August of 1945. He was an M-1 Rifle Marksman, and decorated with the Victory Medal, Word War II. After his Honorable Discharge in November 1946, Carmine worked at various jobs as a machinist including making timing pieces at Bulova Watches and as a jeweler at his brother’s store, Tore Jewelers in Jackson Heights, NY. In Lodi, New Jersey, along with two partners, he established a successful business, Meter Products Company, where they produced, repaired and designed parking meters, and owned the restaurant, “10 East Eatery” for a short time. Some of the things Carmine loved were island vacations; visiting the Wild West; visiting Atlantic City or Las Vegas (and the craps tables); Native American History or American involvement in war; The Godfather movies and Mafia stories; Black and White cookies; baking amazing corn bread and “S” biscuits. He was an honest and fun-loving man who enjoyed his close family, was dedicated to his extended family and enjoyed spending time with neighbors and friends. He was loved by all and will be missed by many. We are comforted in the belief that he is now reunited with so many family members and friends. May he be at peace.