Carmela Tarole

Carmela Tarole, 96, of McKinney, TX and formerly of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on her 96th birthday, July 17, 2026, in McKinney, TX. Born on July 17, 1930, in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Anthony Tarole, Sr., and Giovina J. (Ruggiero) Tarole.

A proud graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1947, she continued her education at Bloomsburg University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in 1950, before receiving her master's degree from Lehigh University. Carmela dedicated her professional life to teaching, sharing her expertise in typing and Spanish at Liberty High School, where she also coached varsity cheerleading. She taught at several other local institutions, including Bethlehem Catholic High School, Easton High School, and Nichman Junior High, from which she ultimately retired.

Known for her zest for life, Carmela enjoyed many hobbies, including bingo and frequent trips to the casino with her son-in-law, Andy. A talented bridge player, she was also renowned for her festive annual Christmas parties and her culinary skills, which were immortalized in her own published Italian cookbook. Her lasagna and pizzelles were particularly beloved by family and friends, and she took great pride in sharing her kitchen creations.

Carmela will be remembered not only for her contributions to education but also for the special bond she shared with her grandchildren. She cherished surprise breakfast visits with her grandson, Hunter, decorated the Christmas tree with her granddaughter, Kristen, and was always ready to challenge her granddaughters, Raylene and Renessa, to a spirited game of Rummikub, where her sharp skills kept everyone on their toes. In her later years, she found great joy in chatting with her great-grandchildren, Alliana and Wyatt.

Carmela will be dearly missed by her daughters, Julene Bartolacci and her husband, Richard and Carlene Swensson and her husband, Andrew; grandchildren, Raylene (Nicholas) Coutoupis, Renessa Dicarlo, Hunter (Christi) Swensson, and Kristen (Raymond) Martinez; great grandchildren, Alliana and Wyatt; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Carmela is preceded in death by her siblings, Delores Malpedo, Elizabeth "Bette" Zito, Philomena Ab-Delbary, and Anthony Tarole. 

A graveside service will be held privately at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.