Carmen A. DiCello

Carmen A. DiCello, 87 of Pottsville died peacefully left the bonds of life surrounded by his family and caregiver at his home on Friday, April 15, 2022. The courage with which he fought serious illness was beyond measure. 

Born on August 10, 1934, and a lifelong resident of Pottsville, Carmen was a son of the late Charles (Rosario) and Mamie (Filomena) Tucci DiCello. 

Carmen was a 1952 graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. 

Those who knew Carmen well are acquainted with his deep devotion to his family, his passion for pharmacy, and his love for all things Pottsville. 

Having a lifetime love of athletics, Carmen played multiple sports as a young man and was even affectionately referred to as "Mr. Rebound" by his basketball teammates. He was strongly supportive of Pottsville sports teams, sponsoring the Schuylkill County Relays for many years, and fervently cheered for Penn State, the Phillies, and most zealously for his beloved Eagles. 

Carmen unfailingly demonstrated determination and resilience through life's challenges, character traits that defined him from an early age until the very end of his life. 

His countless accomplishments in both career and community are a testament to his perseverance. He was owner of Towne Drugs, Pottsville, and Minersville Pharmacy, Minersville, as well as the former Yorkville Drug Store, Pottsville. He was Director of Pharmacy at the former Pottsville Hospital for 20 years, and provider of pharmacy services for both Rest Haven and York Terrace nursing homes. Carmen was the first independent community pharmacist to eliminate tobacco products from his pharmacy by burning them in barrel on Centre Street in support of the state pharmaceutical association's resolution to ban the sale of tobacco products in 1972.  He was named Man of the Year by the Sons of Italy Lodge 1523 in 1982, NCPA Pharmacist of the Year in 1995, NCPA Dargavel Medal recipient, 2011, and the NCPA Committee on National Legislation and Government Affairs Member Emeritus, 2016. He was the Executive Director of The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association for 22 years, President of DiCello and Associates for 10 years.  Carmen was a former member of the Pottsville Area School Board, former member of the Pottsville Parking Authority, member and Past President and Past Vice-President of Pottsville Business Association, member of PADCO,  40 year member and former President of Pottsville Lion's Club, Past President of Pottsville Rotary Little League. 

Above all, Carmen's greatest legacy is his family, whom he cherished and who will devotedly remember his as "Dad/Nonno".

Carmen is preceded in death by his parents; brother Raphael (Ray) and his wife, Jo Marie DiCello; brother Russell; Sister, Angela and her husband, Thomas Boulton. 

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lee Bobbs-DiCello; children, Carmen and his wife Marilyn DiCello; Michael DiCello; Krina and her husband, Francis Amspacher; Mark and his wife, Kristen DiCello; Mary Agnes DiCello and her fiancé Mark Wise; and Eric Ostrosky and his wife, Ann Michele; grandchildren, Luke and his wife, Bridy DiCello; Jacob DiCello; Sydney Amspacher; Kaeleigh DiCello; Mackenzie DiCello; Derek Ostrosky; Zach Ostrosky; and Morgan Ostrosky; brother Anthony and his wife, Mary Jane DiCello; sister-in-law Rita DiCello; numerous nieces and nephews and their families. 

Funeral services will be held 11:30AM, Saturday, April 23, from James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, with Deacon John E. Quirk officiating. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9AM until the time of services. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contribution in memory of Carmen be made to Carmen DiCello Family Scholarship, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, 600 S. 43rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104. Interment will follow in St. John No. 2 Cemetery, Pottsville. 

Please share your memories and condolences with Carmen's family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com

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