Carmela Rita Lonabaugh was a beloved great grandmother, grandmother, sister, mother, and wife during her incredible 81 years of life. She passed away peacefully on January 24th 2025.
Carmela had a long and full life. She was born on June 19th 1943 and raised in South Philadelphia by her loving parents, Eleanor and John DeGrecio.
Carmela married her husband Theodore Lonabaugh in April of 1972 and together they had four children Mark, Tami, Theodore “Teddy” and Keith.
Carmela moved to Florida in 1981 and resided in St Petersburg until she passed away. Carmela hated the cold weather. She would enjoy summers visiting her friends and family in New Jersey.
Carmela was predeceased by her parents John and Eleanor; siblings; John, Margret, Joesph, Nicholas, James, Micheal, her husband Theodore and her only daughter Tami Phillips (Matthew). She is survived by her three sons Mark DeGrecio, Theodore “Teddy” and Keith Lonabaugh and her sisters Carol Cartagena (Miguel) and Eleanor DiNoia. She leaves behind her 10 grandchildren: Nicole Kashow (Charles), Stephen Green (Sandra), Brandin Green, Mathew Green, Cameron Phillips, Mikayla Phillips, Rochelle “Shelly” Williams (Richard), Mark Lonabaugh Jr, Jon Lonabaugh, and Salvatore DeGrecio. She also leaves behind 14 great grandchildren: Sky, Lucy, Chase, Dean, Beau, Jacob, Savannah, Juliet, Kaitlyn “Charlie”, Gabriella “Gigi”, Briana, Michael, Richard, and Adrianna.
We will remember Carmela for her loving nature, long warm hugs, tell you like it is attitude, and her occasional, yet endearing stubbornness. Her radiant smile lit up any room she entered. If you knew Carmela you loved her. She enjoyed cooking, watching game shows, spending time with her family and her cat Boo Boo. She just adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren so very much.
She also leaves many other family members, dear friends, and her sweet cat Boo Boo who will sadly miss her.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Lung Association.
