Submitted by: Dan Rich

Anthony A. Carmola

Feb. 12, 1924 - April 3, 1999

South Bend Tribune 4/7/1999

Anthony A. (Tony) Carmola of Granger, age 75, devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather, died Saturday April 3, 1999, in Memorial Hospital after a month long illness. Tony was born in Dover, Ohio, on February 12, 1924, the son of Helen and Lawrence Carmola who immigrated from Southern Italy. Tony was a devoted son who helped his parents throughout his early life with their business, the Dover Shoe Shop, repairing and selling shoes. In high school Tony was an excellent athlete and a starting guard at 5'5'' on his Dover High School State championship basketball team. It was during this time that he got the nickname ''Baby.'' He also learned to play the coronet, which he loved, and earned many awards for his excellence in playing.

Tony moved to South Bend after his honorable discharge from the Navy to continue his education at the University of Notre Dame where he was previously enrolled. Tony graduated with a BS degree in accounting with the Class of 1950. While at Notre Dame he was a member of the Notre Dame Band where he played the coronet. He also spent a lot of time on the golf course, playing golf, which became a lifetime hobby.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Mary A. Contini of Dover, Ohio, who he married in August 1949. He is also survived by his four children and their spouses, Christianne McSweeney (Brian) of Alexandria, Virginia, Susanne Seall (Rick) and Larry Carmola of South Bend, and Michael Carmola (Michelle) of Granger; his only sister, Helen (Dolly) O'Brien of North Canton, Ohio; and seven grandchildren, Christopher, Nicole, Molly, Laurie, Nicholas, Tony and Jacob.

Tony was employed by the Studebaker Corporation and Miles Laboratories. After 22 years of service Tony retired in 1991 from Miles as a manager in the property accounting department. Tony made a lot of special and lasting friendships while at Miles and was very happy to have worked there. While his children were growing up Tony was an avid baseball coach at Chet Waggoner Little League. He coached both of his sons' baseball teams who won many championships. He was known as a very patient, caring, nice and knowledgeable coach. He was also a lifetime Cubs fan. Tony was also very active on numerous social athletic committees in his parish at the time, Holy Cross, and later at St. Joseph High School. Tony also enjoyed dancing, and he and Mary never missed a PTA dance. Tony also enjoyed working for the K of C. After his children were grown Tony and his wife loved to follow the Notre Dame football team to their away games. He made many new friendships and accumulated wonderful lasting memories. What a blast they had. Tony was a very special person with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 today in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.