Carmelo Joseph "Carmen" Conti Jr.

Our beloved father, Carmelo “Carmen” Conti passed away peacefully in hospice at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL on July 18, 2025 at the age of 86.

Carmen was born in Boston, MA on June 14, 1939 to Carmelo and Rose (Anoli) Conti. He grew up in Chelsea, MA surrounded by his maternal grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins who affectionately called him “Junior”. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1957 then earned an associate’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering Technology from Boston University. After serving in the military, he continued his education at Northeastern University, earning a degree in Engineering.

Carmen enlisted in the US Navy in 1960 serving as an aircraft engine mechanic at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, VA. Upon release from active duty in 1962, he continued to serve his country in the Naval Air Reserve Program in South Weymouth, MA. In 1970, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade and ultimately worked his way up through the ranks to Captain, an astonishing feat for a person who began as an enlisted service member. His accomplishments included graduation from the Naval War College Operations Course as well as the National Defense University Reserve Components National Security Course. He retired from the Navy as a Captain in 1999. His heart was forever connected to his time in the Navy as it was a source of great pride for him.

His love of aviation continued when he began his career with the AVCO Everett Research Lab. He traveled to Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands as a crew member aboard the TRAP-6 aircraft monitoring military and space program re-entry vehicles. His work there made significant contributions to missile technology and defense capabilities. Carmen then worked for the Automatic Switch Company until his retirement in 2004. After being a “snow bird”, he moved to Florida following his retirement.

As a young boy, he learned to play the accordion which ignited his love of music. He was proud of his Italian heritage and traveled to Italy numerous times which often included visiting family in Sicily. Carmen was a lifelong learner, teaching himself how to fix cars and complete home improvements. After purchasing land in Wakefield, he put in the sweat equity to build the family home, doing a lot of the work himself. He was generous with his knowledge and time, helping friends and neighbors with any home project.

Carmen is survived by his daughter Christina Mogni and her husband John of Wakefield, MA, his son Michael Conti of Wakefield, MA, his daughter Marialaina Simone and her husband Mark of North Reading, his grandchildren Christopher Mogni and his wife Marie, Robert Mogni, John Mogni, Alexandra Conti, Autumn Conti, Julia Simone, Jessica Simone and his loving extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his former wife Virginia (Fobert), his brother Corrado Conti, and his sister Ann Caso and her husband Gus.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Carmen's Family on Monday, August 18th from 4-8pm in the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (RT 28) STONEHAM.  Parking attendants and elevator are available.

A Funeral Mass Celebrating Carmen's Eternal Life will be held on Tuesday, August 19th at 10am in Saint Patrick Church, 71 Central Street Stoneham at 10am.  Interment with Military Honors take place at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Wednesday, September 10th at 12:45pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Carmen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by referring to the link below.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome