Carmel Marie (Salerno) Sirbono, 88, passed away February 20, 2025 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Born on September 13,1936 in Port Chester, New York, Carmel was the second of Frank and Alice (Fiorito) Salerno's three children. Carm spent most of her life in Port Chester, New York and graduated from Port Chester High School in 1953. Carm embarked on a journey characterized by resilience, unwavering love for her family, and an adventurous spirit that resonated with all who knew her.

Throughout her life, Carm exemplified a powerful work ethic, starting her career as a key punch operator before advancing to an executive secretary role. After her divorce in the early 1970s, she became a beacon of strength, single-handedly raising her two sons, Robert and Greg, often working multiple jobs without complaint. In her heart, family always came first; she turned down a job opportunity with NASA, believing that her greatest achievement would be nurturing her boys. "It was the three of them against the world," she would often say, encapsulating the essence of her devotion.

When visiting Florida, Carm enjoyed taking the grandchildren to Disney and Epcot and loved having a ball in Rob's pool. Carm's adventuress spirit even allowed her to enjoy rides on the back of Rob's motorcycle. When visiting Idaho, she really went out of her comfort zone. They went to Bear World, feeding free roaming bears from atop of a truck. Another time she laughed hysterically at the astonishing number of the different types and colors of chickens at the 4H County Fair. At the end of the day Carm didn't care what she was doing, as long as it was spending time with family. Among her most treasured moments were "Grandma Days", time spent with her grandson Mike, filled with laughter, movies, and visits to the bookstore, where she treated Mike to a book of his choice. Sharing her passion for literature.

The last 23 years of Carm's life she lived harmoniously with her sister Evelyn, where they shared countless moments of joy. They did everything together, from water aerobics to Tai Chi. They were two peas in a pod. In 2008 they took an Alaskan cruise with The Red Hatters group. Having joined the group when they lived in Pennsylvania for 6 years. They took three more cruises; two to the Mediterranean  one to the British Isles. The cruise to the British Isles was exceptional since it included her great-niece, Jada.

In her later years, Carm enjoyed reading or watching her favorite channels PBS, BBC, murder mysteries, and the Hallmark channel. Not to forget one of her favorite shows "Say Yes to the Dress!" She loved looking at wedding gowns and jewelry.

Carm spent her final year at River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury, where her vivacious spirit continued to shine.  Forever a social butterfly, she immersed herself in the community. She enjoyed socializing with other residents and participating in many activities.  Carm loved playing Bingo and would often help 3 or 4 people at a time with their bingo cards whilst keeping an eye on her own! Carm enjoyed lifting the spirits of her fellow residents, when a resident missed an opportunity to make a craft, Carm selflessly gifted hers. Even in her later years, her mind remained sharp, and her kindness never wavered.

Besides her parents, Carm was predeceased by her brother David and his wife Judy Salerno, brother-in-law Doug Platzer, and daughters-in-law Denise and Bern Sirbono, and granddaughter Annmarie Melendez.

Left to cherish Carm's memory are sons Robert and Greg Sirbono, sister Evelyn Platzer, grandchildren Mike Sirbono, and Warren Varney. Great grandchildren Angelique Melendez, Antonino Melendez,  Annmarie Varney,  and Logan Varney. Nephews Dave Salerno, Frank (Joanne) Salerno, and Jason (Karen) Platzer. Great-nephews Nicholas (Caroline) Salerno and Daniel Salerno, great-niece Jada Platzer, even a great-great nephew Declan Reilly Salerno. In addition, she is survived by beloved out of state cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Wounded Warrior Project or purchase a memorial tree the funeral home website.

A private burial will be held at the Salerno family plot in Greenwood Union Cemetery in New York.

To leave an online condolence please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.