Carmella Lucille Comito

Our beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Carmella Lucille Comito, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023. Carm was born on September 28, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Paul and Rosa (Filippelli) Comito.

Carm, Carmie, and Carmella were all names of endearment from her family and friends. Named after her Nana Comito, she was always cherished as a loving sister, favorite aunt, and loyal friend.

At an early age, Carm’s family moved from Iowa to Illinois. She was the second of five siblings. In high school, Carm played the flute and was an active tennis player. Her tennis skills were so impressive that over 40 years after graduating high school, an unknown gentleman eating at Frank’s Pizza told a family member that she was “one heck of a good tennis player”.

Carm graduated from Augustana College with an English degree and was admitted to Drake University’s law school. She also was a professional massage therapist and founder of Helping Hands. Anyone who knew Carm would agree that the name of her business was how she lived her life. She was kind, caring, loving, and always willing to give a hand.

Carm was a mother at heart and took the time to listen to her siblings and offer practical advice. Her passion for her family was repeatedly pronounced by her commitment to scheduling the family’s Zoom night and suggesting going out to dinner as a family. She loved her family and would do anything to help them.

Carmie was instrumental in organizing the cousins' night, a tradition still going strong today. She could be seen sitting on the floor with her nieces and nephews, her face illuminated with pleasure, enjoying every minute of the children who were providing the entertainment.

Carmella had a long career at Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). Her impeccable dedication to the safety of their passengers and employees contributed to the hallmark of their success.

Carmella was baptized on May 2, 1981, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Carmella was known for her kindness and hospitality, as well as being a hard worker, both secularly and at home.

Whenever someone needed anything, Carmella was there to help in whatever way she could. As a result, many viewed her as part of their families. She devoted her life as a minister, spending much time in the ministry helping people learn about Jehovah, his word, the Bible, and the wonderful hope He has in store for mankind.

Carmella was noted for her help on kingdom hall building projects around Iowa. She was much appreciated and loved, spending much of her time on the safety crew, making sure the friends were doing things safely on the project, including operating machinery and tools. She came to have many friends throughout Iowa, many of whom lovingly gave her the nickname “Sister Safety”.
Carmella’s perpetual legacy of kindness, caring, listening, and helping hands will live deep within our hearts.

She is survived by her siblings: Chuck (Lessa) Comito, Paul Comito, Theresa (Comito) Stretch, and Al (Michelle) Comito; nephews and nieces: Joel Comito, Tracy (Jon) True and children Olivia and Aidan, Kristen (Thomas) West, Brandy Eganhouse and son Reilly, Blair (Rob) Foucher and son Finn, Billy Comito, Eric (Lacey) Donels and children Meryl, Thomas, Philip, and Gabriel; as well as many cousins and her dear congregation. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Carm, Carmie, Carmella was deeply loved and will be greatly missed until we see her again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you contribute to the charity of your choice in Carmella's name.

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