Carmella "Lee" (Ianno) Mento's Obituary
Carmella “Lee” (Ianno) Mento, 92, of East Syracuse, our beautiful mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend earned her wings and found her place in heaven this past weekend. Lee passed away in her home on March 12, 2023 surrounded by many family members. She was born in Italy and came to the U.S. at the age of 7. Little Lee with the huge heart was the sweet, self-less, loving matriarch of our family. She was the beloved wife to her life-long sweetheart, Joseph S. Mento who predeceased her in 2021. Lee was the center of her family’s activities and events. She was always giving hugs, kisses and showering love on all she met, even complete strangers, who to this day, remember their first impressions of her. In addition to nurturing all in her path, she worked tirelessly at home and at Syracuse University in the education department. Lee was revered by faculty, students and all who were around her. She always saw the best in everyone and made it known. Lee was devoted to love. Her greatest attribute in life was her amazing kindness and selflessness. She was always genuinely curious and interested in everyone else. Where there was a need, no matter who or what, she made sure it was filled with love and compassion.
Besides her husband, Lee was predeceased by her brother, Anthony Ianno; her sister, Angela Frontale; sisters-in-law, Cecile Ianno and Grace Ianno; brothers-in-law, Steven Mento, Frank Mento and Anthony Spinella.
Lee leaves a wonderful legacy of children, Frank, Mary Kay (Tony) and Anthony (Karla); grandchildren, Alexis (Louie), Michael, Taylor, Cole, Jon-Anthony (Chelsea), Justin (Shannon) and Jordan (Randy); great-grandchildren, Aiden, Maddy, Jaxon, Josie, and Juliana; her brother, Victor Ianno; her sister, Celestine Spinella and brothers-in-law, Dominick Frontale and John (Genevieve) Mento, along with many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
The family wishes to thank all those who cared for her and shared their love and unique stories with our mom.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a funeral Mass in celebration of Carmella’s life at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St., Syracuse, NY. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MS Resources of CNY, PO Box 237, 6743 Kinne St., East Syracuse, NY 13057.
What’s your fondest memory of Carmella?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carmella?
Share a story where Carmella's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carmella you’ll never forget.
How did Carmella make you smile?
