Carl A. "Mondue" Tomino

CARL A.”MONDUE” TOMINO, age 96, passed away peacefully at home on November 7, 2021 surrounded by his daughters and caregiver. He was the beloved husband of the late Koula (nee Kachourbos); cherished father of Carla Tomino, the late Nick Tomino (Patricia), Mary Joyce (Steven) and Stephanie Tomino; proud grandfather of Alexander Joyce (Melinda Eng), Anthony Tomino, Genevieve Joyce (Will Georgic), Joseph Tomino, Brendan Joyce, and twins Jennifer and Laura Tomino; great grandfather of Ivan Georgic; brother of deceased siblings John "Happy" Tomino (Josephine, deceased), Carmella Messere and Dolores McKee (Charles); uncle to many including his dear niece, Antoinette “Ciuffie" Messere.
Son of Italian immigrants, Nick and Delfina (nee Coraretti) Tomino, Mondue, as he was known since childhood, was born in Cleveland on October 18, 1925. He graduated in 1944 from Collinwood High School, then enlisted in the Navy. He used his GI benefits to attend Ohio University where he earned a BS in Commerce and met his future wife, Koula. They married in 1949 and raised their family in Collinwood where he remained a lifelong resident. He was a loyal parishioner of Holy Redeemer Church and attended daily Mass for many years.
Mondue owned Happy's Bar at East 152nd and Lakeshore Blvd for 20 years. After Koula's death in 1973, he became an Auditor for Cuyahoga County. Following his retirement, he traveled to Europe and especially enjoyed visiting Italy. Mondue loved listening to opera and singing along. He was a crossword puzzle enthusiast and doing them for hours every day kept him sharp as a tack. He often collaborated with his son-in-law, Steven, to solve them and they did their last puzzle together the day before he died. He paid particular attention to the birthdays and graduations of his children and grandchildren. He was known for being the first one to call and sing Happy Birthday on the "special day" as he called it and for selecting the perfect birthday card. He never missed a school graduation. He proudly wore his WWII Veteran cap and in 2019 went on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
The family is grateful to Sonny Scardelletti, neighbor and friend, who was always available when needed and spent hours reminiscing with “Mr. T” about the old days in the neighborhood. And the family sends a special heartfelt thank you to his devoted caregiver, Maria Rodriguez, who made it possible for him to continue to live at home even with his declining health.
Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at VITANTONIO-PREVITE FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD RD. LYNDHURST, (EAST OF RICHMOND RD.)  The family will also receive friends at HOLY REDEEMER CHURCH, 15712 KIPLING AVE. CLEVELAND, from 10-11 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment All Souls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Redeemer Church 

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