Carmelo “Piliche” DeJesus, 78

February 02, 2024

Carmelo “Piliche” DeJesus passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on February 2, 2024, after fighting a long, courageous battle with dementia. 

Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Juan DeJesus and Agustina Rodriguez. He was married to the love of his life, Dana DeJesus, for 49 years. 

Carmelo began working at a young age first in the sugar cane fields and soon thereafter, as a mechanic’s apprentice in Cataño, Puerto Rico. In the late 1960s, he moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He worked at Buck Iron for approximately seven years, then at Burnham Boiler for 17 years, before retiring in the early 90’s. He met Dana in 1974 and they were immediately inseparable. A long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Carmelo’s love of God and his family remained constant. He was larger-than-life, had the heart of a lion, and always saw the glass half-full.  He was known for his soul-soothing food, genuine kindness and vibrant sense of humor, which he kept to the end. He loved all things music; dancing, singing and playing the harmonica. He was an avid Phillies fan who rarely missed watching a game. He also enjoyed watching WWE wrestling, Let’s Make a Deal, Price is Right and cartoons of any kind with his children and grandchildren. Carmelo had a deep passion for cars; collecting, repairing and especially driving! Carmelo and Dana looked forward to traveling to Sea Isle City a few times each year to visit their oldest and dearest friends Martha and her late husband Bill Alexander. 

Carmelo was a devoted father and abuelo to, and will be deeply missed by his children: Gabriel DeJesus, Mary (Veda Caldwell) DeJesus, Tony (Shannon) DeJesus, JoEllyn (Adam) Poff,  grandchildren Christina Flood, Jordan Caldwell, Gabrilynn DeJesus, Madison Poff, Adalyn Poff, Vylana DeJesus and great grandchild Kayson Caldwell. He was also a beloved father figure to Rafael (Jean) Velez Jr., Emely (Fernando) Polanco, and William (Cally) Adams. He was a role model to countless others on how to be a good person and a loving parent. 

Carmelo is survived by his siblings Simon, Juan Antonio, Pedro, Rafael, José (Teresa), Ramiro (Lydia), Emilio (Marie), Felix, Miguel (Sandra), Luis (Mayda), and Maria DeJesus. He was preceded in death by his sister Juanita DeJesus, his daughter Carmen DeJesus, and his grandson Ce’vaughn Caldwell. 

The family invites guests to a viewing, Thursday, February 8, 2024, beginning at 6pm until 8pm at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held the following day at 11am, Friday, February 9, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The family will receive visitors at the church from 10:30am-11am for those who are unable to attend the viewing on Thursday. Interment will follow Mass at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

The family wishes to publicly thank everyone for their love and support through this difficult time.