Obituary of Carmine Filanova

Carmine Filanova died peacefully and into the arms of the Lord on Saturday May 29, 2021 at the River Ridge Living Center.

Carmine was born in Varapodio Reggio Calabria Italy on April 15, 1925. He was 96 years old. He was the son of Vincenzo Filanova and Teresa Cosentino Filanova. At the age of 8, Carmine began working in the barber shop sweeping hair. Later at the age of 12, he became an apprentice and learned the trade of a barber which continued as his profession throughout his life. Carmine met his future wife Frances Cartisano while she was visiting her aunt in Varapodio. It was love at first sight. They began dating and before she left several months later they were engaged. In 1954, Carmine came to America and he and Frances were married on May 23, 1954 in the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn, New York. This union happily lasted for 67 years. They moved to Amsterdam in 1956. Carmine owned and operated the Four Star Barber Shop on Church Street with his brother Vincent Siciliano until urban renewal came through. He then owned and operated Carmen’s Barber Shop on Guy Park Avenue. Carmine enjoyed being with his customers and exchanging stories. The walls of the barber shop were covered with postcards that his customers sent him from their travels. He closed his shop and retired in 2004.

Carmine was very proud to become an American citizen. He attended night school to receive his citizenship and to learn the English language. One of his favorite past times was reading. He would read the newspaper and books. Education was important to him. Carmine also enjoyed playing bocce and the accordion, getting together with friends and sharing a cup of coffee, watching, playing and coaching soccer, playing poker and going to the race track at Saratoga.6 In the Spring and throughout the summer, he would take pleasure in tending to his garden that he carefully planted. Carmine and Frances travelled to Italy to visit family, Hilton Head, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Pennsylvania, Wildwood and cruised to Florida and the Bahamas with their family. Carmine was president of Caesar Battisti Post 1 World War Veterans which was comprised of a group of men that served in the Italian services. Every summer they would get together with their families for an all-day outing at Northampton Beach.

Survivors include his loving wife Frances and his daughter Teresa and Robert Hayes and his son Dr. Vincent and Carol Filanova. Carmine was the proud grandpa of seven grandchildren Robert and Christopher Hayes and Gavrielle, Matthiew, Vittoria, Zacchary and Kammeron Filanova. He was always so happy when they would come to visit. He would share advice with them that he felt would guide them throughout their lives. He is also survived by his brother Vincent Siciliano and many nieces, nephews and cousins here and in Italy and Australia. Carmine was predeceased by his parents and sisters Carmella Sinicropi, Catherine Sinicropi Gallucio, Lucia Dunia, Vincenza Votano and Maria Macri. Thank you to all of the staff at the River Ridge Living Center for the care and kindness that they showed to Carmine throughout his stay.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson.  Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 4 until 7PM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.  

Donations may be made in memory of Carmine to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com

We love you Dad and Grandpa you will forever be in our hearts.