02/11/2026
Carmella M. Aten (Mella), 87, formerly of Courtdale, passed away on Monday, February 9th, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania on May 1st, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Gallucci and Felicia Boccardo Gallucci. She was a graduate of Dunmore High School.
Carmella lived life to the fullest, and her strength, generosity, and joyful spirit set a powerful example that continues to guide her family.
She was a devout Catholic and member of the Altar and Rosary Society at Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, PA. She enjoyed watching Divine Mercy and the Scranton Catholic Mass daily and attended the St. Ann’s Novena annually.
Family was everything to Carmella. Her love for her children and grandchildren was evident in all that she did. She was a proud and avid supporter of her grandchildren’s special events and activities.
Mella also found immense joy in spending time with extended family and friends and most recently attended her Gallucci family reunion. She enjoyed keeping her family traditions alive. One of her favorites was a Rock & Rye salute with her nephews and nieces.
She made many lifetime friends in her 61 years living in her Courtdale neighborhood. She and her husband Gordy enjoyed participating in the Couple’s Club at the Forty Fort United Methodist Church for many years.
Over the years, she was employed by Bell Telephone, The Wayne Department Store, Avon, and Nelson Furniture.
Along with her parents, Carmella was preceded in death by her husband Gordon Robert Aten, Sr. who she was married to for 41 years and a son Gordon Robert Aten, Jr. Also preceding her in death were her in-laws Gordon and Lillian Aten, her sisters and spouses Angeline Boniello (Frank), Mary Valvano (John), Ann Covey (Don), Lucy Karwoski (Tony), Ann Marie and Mary Ann Gallucci, brother-in-law Joseph Lucas, nephew Joseph Boniello and great niece Leah Burke.
Carmella is survived by daughters Karen Hillman (Bruce), Sharon Polidore, Diane Bond (Ken) and son Robert Aten, grandchildren Erin and Andrew Hillman, Nicholas (Leanne), Christopher and Matthew Polidore, Jordan Bond and Chase and Olivia Aten, great grandson Wesley Polidore, sister Christina Lucas, sister-inlaw Joan Burke, brother-in-law Jack Burke and beloved nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited from 4 to 7 PM on Sunday, February 15th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 16th, at Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett St., Luzerne. Interment will be held at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dunmore.
On behalf of Mom, the family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Megan, Mary Jo, and Dina from Homebound Health for their amazing care and support. We would also like to thank the staffs at The Village of Greenbriar and The Meadows for their help with her care in her final months.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.