Carmelo Antonio Sollima, 79, of Newington, beloved husband of Angela (Reale) Sollima passed away peacefully December 17, 2016 with his loving family by his side. Carmelo was born on June 12, 1937 in Palermo, Sicily, Italy and was the son of the late Antonio and Rosa (Merendino) Sollima. Carmelo immigrated to America in 1956 and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus in Newington and a member of the Canicattini Bagni Men's Club. Carmelo worked as an engineer and later as a supervisor at Pine Meadow Machine in Windsor Locks. He retired in 2009 after thirty years of service. Carmelo was an avid golfer and intrigued by anything related to science. He enjoyed dancing and attending social events with his wife and family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren discussing politics and science. A devoted husband, father and grandfather Carmelo will be dearly missed by Angela, his wife of 56 years; his son Roberto Sollima and his wife Amelia of Wethersfield and his daughter Rose Swenton and her husband Robert of Berlin. He will be especially missed by his grandchildren: Alexander Swenton, Vanessa Swenton, Robert Sollima and Angela Sollima. In addition he leaves his brothers Franco Sollima and his wife Clara of Southington and Giuseppe Sollima and sister-in-law Maria Bold and her husband James of Newington and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Along with his parents, Carmelo was predeceased by his brothers Pasquale Sollima and Calogero Sollima. Carmelo's family would like to extend a special thanks to the Hartford Hospital, ICU, 9th Floor and CB 2nd Floor Staff for their kindness and care. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. at St. Luke's Church, 60 Bolton Street, Hartford, burial will immediately follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.