Carmella Rosella LaFuria

Carmella Rosella LaFuria

April 1, 1933 – September 6, 2026

Erie has lost Carm LaFuria, a lifelong resident. Born at her West 17th Street home on April 1 to Floyd and Celia (Clemente) Chiota, she was introduced to her father as a boy, the ultimate April Fool’s welcome. A depression-era baby who came of age at the close of the Second World War, Carm finished near the top of her class at Academy High School.

She worked for the General Telephone Company in the separations and settlements department until her marriage to Angelo LaFuria in April of 1958, the product of a blind date set up by a relative. They were married for 68 years, in large part because she was indispensable to the family’s collective successes. In addition to raising her family, she adeptly managed Ange’s physical therapy practice. Health insurance companies were no match for her persistence.

Although not mathematically provable, it is believed that she hit more tennis balls than almost anyone in Erie history, playing nearly every day for over fifty years. She loved the game and the many friends she made along the way. As a young lady, she was a fencer and a golfer. She could take shorthand as fast as one could talk and she was proficient at sign language.

Her style models were Jackie and Audrey, preferring quality clothes that could be worn for years, mostly in her signature black and white.

Carm’s cardinal trait was dependability. If you needed someone for something important, she never failed you. She was level headed no matter the situation and had the rare gift of being a good listener.

Carm was blessed with David (Suzann), Lisa, and Jeffrey (Christie) and seven grandchildren (Luci, Joe, Sam, Cody, Shane, Celia, and Dominic). She was predeceased by her brother John and sister Marie.

Oftentimes sporting an Erie brooch, she let it be known throughout her life how much she loved the city, its wonderful people, and its beautiful lakeside.

The family thanks the excellent caregivers at Sarah Reed and AseraCare Hospice.

A private burial will be held in accordance with Carm’s wishes.

Memorials may be made to a place that was special to her: The American School for the Deaf. www.asd-1817.org.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com