Anthony Joseph Carabello

Anthony Joseph Carabello, 84, of Kenhorst, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Berks Heim Nursing Home.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Frank & Fannie (Ninetto) Carabello.  He grew up in the old south Reading Italian neighborhood on S. 3rd St. until they moved to Clifton Avenue in the 1960s.  He met his future wife Lucille, and were married in October of 1970, and celebrated 52 years of marriage. They have one son, Damian, born July 1975 and then they moved to Commonwealth Blvd in Kenhorst, in 1980.   

He was educated in the parochial schools of Reading, PA and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1957.  He played the Tuba, and achieved scholarly success being selected for PA Eastern District Band & State Band in his senior year.  After graduation, he was able to play in the 243rd Army Bank of the PA National Guard in Allentown.  Later, he was a member of the Wyomissing Band.  In addition to these musical accolades, he went on to perform with the Accordion and Cordovox music system, at various clubs and venues in the central and southeast PA area for many years.  Beyond this, Anthony wrote two religious hymns, Dear Holy Mary, and Oh Lord Above, that were published in a collection of religious works by various small and large composers, and a third composition, Oh Loving Lord   Music in most forms was one of his lifelong gifts and passions. 

In addition to his Basic & Advanced Infantry training, he later served in the 148th Fighter Squadron, based at then Spaatz Field before being honorably discharge, after fulfillment of his service time.  After the military he pursued trade school at Allentown Barber college, earning his journeyman license on July 31st, 1964, which would be the beginning of a 50-year career as a professional barber.  During that long career he was both a shop owner of his own establishment on N. 9th St. in Reading, PA, and on the staff of several other local barbershops, eventually semi-retiring to part-time barbering in his later years.   

Other employment saw him put in decades of time at the Reading School District on various building maintenance crews, and lastly for the Berks Visiting Nurses Association, in similar capacity. 

Anthony was an avid gardener in his younger years, in addition to music and cooking and being fascinated with new recipes and his own creations.   

Anthony was a 4th degree initiate of the Knights of Columbus, a Life Member of the Beneficial Society Victor Emmanuel II, and a past member of Holy Rosary, St. John Baptist de LaSalle, and Saint Ignatius Loyola, Roman Catholic Churches during his lifetime, as his faith was an important part of his daily life, throughout his life. 

He is survived by his Wife Lucille (Huseman) Carabello; a Son, Damian of Reading, partner to Alexandra Sawyer, a sister, Josephine (Carabello) Calnan, wife of Daniel Calnan, Elizabethtown; nephew Kevin Calnan of Mount Joy, niece Danielle (Calnan) Pfautz of Mount Joy 

Funeral Service for Anthony will be held in Bean Funeral Home, 129 E. Lancaster Ave, Shillington on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. Reverend Thomas Bortz to officiate. The family will receive relatives and friends in Bean Funeral Home, Shillington, on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Monday, June 26, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Anthony’s honor to The Reading Musical Foundation, P.O. Box 14835, Reading, PA 19612. Online guestbook and condolences may be made at, www.beanfuneralhomes.com