Carmen Ciaschi

Carmen Giulio Ciaschi

Born February 11, 1961 – Passed peacefully December 19, 2024

Carmen G. Ciaschi passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with cancer. His strength, tenacity, and zest for life were unmatched, and his positive attitude inspired all who knew him. Carmen faced his journey with courage, grace, and readiness, leaving a legacy of love and resilience.

Born on February 11, 1961, Carmen grew up in Ithaca, New York, and graduated with the Ithaca High School Class of 1979. He was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie and Joseph Ciaschi; his beloved grandparents, Lena and Giulio Ciaschi and Emma and Carl Lokken; his Uncle Martin Ciaschi and Aunt Patricia Ciaschi Reece; Sister-in-law Cathy Reynolds and his cousins Brian French and Ian Tillack.

Carmen is survived by his devoted wife, Lisa (Reynolds); his sons, Thomas Moesch (Brittany) and Giulio Ciaschi (Katie); his daughter, Jenna Dyer (Zach); his sisters, Linda Ciaschi Himmel (John) and AnnMarie Ciaschi Gray (Bob); Leah Ciaschi De Simone (Rob); his Uncle Edward Ciaschi (David); brother-in-laws David Reynolds, Raymond Reynolds (Debbie), and Mike Reynolds (Julie); sister-in-law Luanne Reynolds; nieces Alena VanTull, Sarah Gray, Amy Hopkins, Kelly Bishop, Nichole Perry, Tiffani Reynolds, Jaffa Bush and Aurelia De Simone; nephews Patrick Reynolds, DJ Fergus, Paul Griffin, Jason Reynolds, Dan Gray, Diego Bush, Gaius De Simone; grandsons Kaleb and Jensen; and many cherished cousins. Carm had many special loved ones throughout his life, including Giuliano Lucatelli and Jeffrey Iacovelli.

Carmen’s passion for hospitality in the restaurant business was a hallmark of his life. He worked in some of Ithaca’s most respected establishments, including The Italian Carryout, The Station Restaurant, Lucatelli's Restaurant, and Adam’s Cafe. His warm smile, welcoming personality, and dedication to delivering exceptional service created a loyal following of customers who always sought out wherever Carmen was serving.

Carmen was also known for his time at the gym and his passion for boxing. He took pride in achieving his 10,000 daily steps and cherished his time socializing with friends at Island Fitness. Staying active and connecting with others brought him immense joy. He was a true inspiration to many.

A lover of travel, Carmen especially enjoyed sunny destinations such as Las Vegas, Saint Thomas, Canandaigua lake and Cayuga lake. He had a particular joy in taking all the kids on boat rides, pulling them on water floats with contagious enthusiasm and care.

Carmen was a fighter, enduring more than most could with unyielding positivity and a zest for life. His family takes pride in the man he was—a loving, compassionate, and steadfast presence who brought light to everyone around him.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds peace in knowing his mind and body are now whole. Carmen’s memory will live on as a testament to love, strength, and resilience.

Calling hours will be held at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W Green Street, Ithaca, NY, on January 9th from 4-6 pm. A funeral will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva Street, Ithaca, NY, on January 10th at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=hopelodgeprogramdonate