Carmela Antonia Gravano Fazio, aka “Millie” 90, was called home by her Lord and Savior, November 16, 2019.  Carmela was born in NY, NY to the late Carmelo and Concettina Casesa Gravano.  She was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, loved cooking, baking, gardening and caring for and spending time with her family.  She was predeceased by  her husband, the love of her life, Anthony V. Fazio, aka “Tony”, and her siblings; Frank, Vinnie, Jim and Steve Gravano.

Millie and Tony were married in June 1952.  Over the years they built a beautiful life.  Tony’s job moved him from town to town mostly in the Maryland and Virginia areas.  Millie took each move in stride, never complaining, she would immediately check in with the local Catholic Church, register her 3 children for school and proceed to make new friends wherever she went. Tony sang and played the guitar and friends and family sang along no matter where they lived. Their love was easy to see, they endearingly called each other “Faz”.

Millie was an avid reader and loved the outdoors.  She kept a warm, loving home; dinner was always on the table at 5 o’clock, when “Faz” came home.  Every home they owned, (which were many), were neatly kept.  They planted trees, flowers and Millie’s beloved blueberry bushes, fig tree and dogwood trees.  They were never without a family dog and over the years Millie loved their beagle, collie, dalmatian and  2 golden retrievers.  They finally settled in Virginia Beach where they would retire.  In retirement, Millie took culinary classes at TCC and she wanted to work, so she worked as a Sample Lady at various stores; Farm Fresh, Harris Teeter and BJs.  Her infectious smile and gregarious personality endeared many people who still remember her as the Sample Lady.

Millie and Tony loved their 3 children and 3 grandchildren.  Their grandchildren were fortunate to grow up with them living nearby.  Countless happy holidays, birthdays and special times were spent together.  Millie and Tony had a camper they kept at Indian Cove and every summer was spent picnicking, singing, swimming and relaxing together. All of these memories will last a lifetime. Millie and Tony were the epitome of humility; always putting others’ needs before their own.

Left to cherish Millie’s legacy are her 3 loving children; Frank Fazio, Charles Fazio and Cynthia and her husband Donald Neavin Jr.; her 3 loving grandchildren; Danielle, Cole and Chelsea; and 7 great grandchildren; Hailey Rae, Juliet Patricia, Cayden Anthony, Donald IV., Carlena Marie, Kaley Ann and Tucker Reese and a host of close family and friends.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10:00 am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.  Express condolences to the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.