Philomena "Mena" Ciarlo

 Philomena “Mena” Ciarlo, age 87, wife of the late James F. Ciarlo, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 4, 2017 after a short illness.   Mena was born to Frank and Rose (Flore) Tango on September 16, 1930. She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1948, and was later employed for 14 years as a secretary at the probation office of Superior Court in Wilmington, writing pre-sentence reports. She then left to raise her family and help in the family business, Globe Electric. She also devoted her time as a volunteer to numerous charitable organizations, such as the junior board of St. Francis Hospital for 35 years, the Ronald McDonald House, St. Anthony of Padua and St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Churches, and most notably, the Ministry of Caring, where she received, along with her husband Jim, the Caring Bowl in 2008 for giving countless hours of dedicated service. Mena’s favorite activities were oil painting, playing cards and Bunco with friends, and tailgating at University of Delaware football games. She loved to travel, especially with friends and family to her vacation home in Fenwick Island, DE. Most of all, she enjoyed her role as “Mom-mom” to her five grandsons, whom she dearly loved.  Mena will be remembered as a compassionate and hospitable “best friend” to many, and loving mother and grandmother.  She is survived by her daughter Daidra, and husband Greg; her son Dane, and wife Elise; her five grandchildren Greg, Brett, and Jake Colelli, and Ethan and Darren Ciarlo; her sister Marlene, and husband Joseph; her brother-in-laws Vincent Ciarlo, and wife Ginny, and Dr. Al Ciarlo; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, and parents, Mena was predeceased by her infant son, Daren James and sister-in-law Shirley Ciarlo    Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th & DuPont Street, Wilmington, DE. followed by entombment in Cathedral Cemetery, Lancaster Ave.  Calling hours for Mrs. Ciarlo are Sunday afternoon from 4pm to 7pm at the St. Anthony of Padua Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mena’s name to the Ministry of Caring, 115 E. 14th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.