Carmen Michael Lupoli

Carmen Michael Lupoli, 88, of Orange, died on September 29, 2023. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Giovanna DeMaio Lupoli; daughters, Elisa (Jim) Heun and Giovanna Griffin; grandsons, Nicholas (Dr. Gabrielle Williamson) Gorton, Paul Gorton, Joseph Griffin (Army Specialist), and Thomas Griffin; sister, Geraldine Lupoli, JD. He was predeceased by his parents Gennaro and Alice Mongillo Lupoli and sisters, Madeline Carloni, Lenora Erickson, and Marion Boulia.

Carmen lived in the Hill Section of New Haven and attended St. Louis Grammar School, St. Mary’s High School and graduated from Hillhouse High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Providence College and completed the ROTC Program. Upon graduating from Providence College, Carmen paused his entry into the U.S. Army to attend the McAllister School of Embalming in New York City.

After graduating from McAllister, he completed his ROTC commission in the U.S. Army. At that time, he met and married Giovanna DeMaio. Due to the many world crises and although Carmen completed the ROTC requirement as an Officer in the US Army, he was not able to be discharged and his service was extended. Once he returned home, Carmen pursued his career as a licensed funeral director. He also continued his Army career with the 729th Transportation Unit in New Haven. He received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army with the rank of Captain.

As a funeral director, Carmen always considered it a privilege to help and comfort families through difficult times in their lives. After many years of compassionate service in the New Haven Area, Carmen was not ready to retire. He continued his career as a funeral director at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home. During this time, he formed a lasting friendship with the Erickson family. Carmen was a licensed funeral director in the State of Connecticut for over 75 years.

As a communicant of Holy Infant Church and in addition to his career, Carmen had many other interests. As a youth, Carmen played his monogrammed accordion on local New Haven radio channels and later entertained family at holiday celebrations. He was a past President of the Greater New Haven Funeral Directors Association, a licensed real estate broker, and a licensed insurance agent. Carmen was an active member in the Providence College Alumni Association, the Knights of Columbus, the National Funeral Directors Association, and a former member of the Quinnipiac Club. He enjoyed putting to use his woodworking skills at his home. Carmen was a member of several area sport clubs. His leadership in these sport clubs allowed him to mentor young people and help instill in them the importance of self-esteem, dependability, love of Country, and a firm handshake.

A life well lived: A true gentle-man, who will be profoundly missed.

His family wishes to thank his wonderful neighbors who were always there to help him, the staff of The Linden of Woodbridge, CT Hospice, and Opal Stork Home Care for the sensitive care provided to Carmen in his final days.

Friends are invited to join Carmen’s family on Saturday, October 7th at 11:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Road, Orange followed by his burial with Military Honors in Orange Center Cemetery. BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations in Carmen’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, or the Tunnels to Tower program, www.t2t.org.