Obituary of Carmela DiNucci Smith

Smith, Carmela (DiNucci) 91 March 13, 1922 Nov. 16, 2013 Have you ever wondered what happens when a fairy tale becomes entangled in the American Dream? That would be the life of Carmela, who came into the world on March 13, 1922. She was born in her parents bedroom in a house that still stands in the now bustling area of 30th Avenue and Division Street. Her parents, Carl and Frances DiNucci, were Italian immigrants who came to the United States in search of the "Land of Opportunity." They, like many immigrants, found work, started a family and sought prosperity through hard work and determination. Those traits were not lost on Carmela, who would dedicate the majority of her life to building one of the most successful enterprises to ever do business in Portland. The story of Carmela cannot be told without introducing her charming prince, George I. Smith. It all started with a chance meeting on Division Street; they were married November 1942. Their marriage blossomed into a lifelong partnership that would touch the lives of many. George and Carmela would later open Smith's Home Furnishings in 1954, directly across the street from where Carmela was born. After selling the store in 1980, they opened the wholesale appliance business G&C Distributing. Later they returned to retail with the opening of George Smith Warehouse Sales until they retired in 1996. They had a loving marriage for almost 60 years before George passed in 2001. The Smiths lived in Southeast Portland their entire married life. They worked hard, enjoyed spending time with friends and family, loved spending time in Hawaii and above all else created a model business. George and Carmela viewed their employees as family and that feeling was mutual. Mrs. Smith passed on Nov. 16, 2013, aged 91. Survived by daughter, Jan; grandsons, Chris and Greg; great-grandchildren, Alaina and Madeline; many DiNucci family members. A funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church on 16th Ave. and Division St. Interment in Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a reception at Eastmoreland Golf Course. Remembrances may be made to Providence Portland Medical Foundation for Hospice or Cancer Research, 4805 N.E. Glisan St., Portland, OR 97213. Service Information