Carmela (DiPalma) Rapuano, 90 of Clifton, passed away on December 24, 2025. Born in San Salvatore Telesino, Italy, she came to the US in 1959 and lived in Passaic before moving to Clifton over 60 years ago. A parishioner of St. Paul's RC Church, Clifton, Carmela was a seamstress for many years.

Beloved wife of the late Cesare Rapuano. Devoted mother of Patricia Zbikowski and her late husband James, Linda Giles and her late husband Tommy, Adolfo Rapuano and his wife Terry, Maria Fasoli and her husband Ricky, and the late Lucia Rapuano.

Loving grandmother of Jimbo, Stefanie and her husband Jon, Tara, Michael, Joseph and his wife Jill, Christopher and his fiance Ariana, Brianna, Alexa, Nicco and Dante. Cherished great grandmother of Jada, Madisyn, Maleeya, and Jaxon.

Our beloved mother, Carmela, a truly wonderful and beautiful woman, was called home to be with the Lord. She was deeply loved by everyone whose life she touched, and her kindness, grace and unwavering faith shone through all that she did. Carmela was a devoted mother and the very best grandmother to all of her grandchildren, as well as a loving great grandmother who found immense joy in her family. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and took great pride in the generations she helped raise with love and wisdom.

Carmela opened her heart to everyone. She found great joy in cooking for anyone who walked through her door, and her house was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She had a rare gift for making people feel comfortable, welcome, and cared for. Friends lovingly called her "Mom/Nonna," a testament to the remarkable way she embraced everyone as family.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Carmela lived guided by her trust in God, serving others, offering encouragement, and praying faithfully for her family. She taught us to love one another and to live with compassion, humility, and grace. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing Carmela is now at peace, reunited with the loved ones who went before her, and welcomed into eternal rest. Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion will continue through the family she leaves behind.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends. Her memory will live on in our hearts until we meet again.

Visiting Friday, January 2, 2026, 4-8 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Funeral Saturday, January 3, 2026, 8:15 AM at the funeral home and 9:30 AM at St. Paul's RC Church, Clifton. Interment, Calvary Cemetery, Paterson.