Carmen "Tom" Bosso, 93, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Wednesday October 21, 2009 at Elderwood Health Care at Heathwood in Amherst, NY. Born in Rossiter, PA he was the son of the late Palmerino and Carmela (Pellegrino) Bosso.

Tom attended school in Pennsylvania prior to coming to Niagara Falls with his family in 1925. He attended local schools and in 1934 he graduated from Niagara Falls High School although he always said he couldn't prove it because he graduated as Thomas even though all his legal history was Carmen. He later attended Niagara University part time. On October 30, 1937 Tom married Maryann (Markette) Bosso at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Niagara Falls. During World War II he served in the United States Navy as a Seaman 2nd Class from June 14, 1944 until his honorable discharge on March 29, 1946 and reenlisted during the Korean War and served from July 9, 1949 until his honorable discharge on July 8, 1953. He earned a Navy Occupation Service Medal. Tom was one of four brothers serving in the military during World War II and returning home for VJ Day. Prior to that, he had served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934.

Mr. Bosso began working as a shoe salesman at the former Brownells, and assistant manager for the former Liberty Shoe Store on Main Street in Niagara Falls. From 1945 until 1950 he was employed at Union Carbide Corporation and worked as an insurance salesman for Prudential Insurance Co. During that time he and his wife also owned and operated the former Chez LaMode Dress Shop from 1945 until 1949; later changing it to the Paulette Shop. Tom was also involved in the New York State Power Project, and worked at the Niagara Falls Waste Water Treatment Plant. In 1978 he retired from Bell Aircraft in Wheatfield, NY after twenty five years of service. Tom was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council and served as past Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and Honor Guard. Tom was an avid bowler and golfer and aced a hole-in- one using his three wood on the Niagara Falls Golf Course North 18 par 3.

Mr. Bosso is survived by his wife of seventy-one years Maryann (Markette) Bosso, and was predeceased by his daughter Paulette LoVerde. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Patricia Smith, Teri Stanford and Marybeth LoVerde, five great- grandchildren, one sister Gloria (Patrick) Wyles of Florida and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by five brothers, Andrew (late Rose) Bosso, Ralph (late Mary) Bosso, Philip (Bertha of Lewiston, NY) Bosso, John (late Ella) Bosso and William "Bill" (Josephine of Lewiston, NY) Bosso.

Mr. Bosso requested that his body be donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at the University of Buffalo. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday October 24th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Vincent De Paul Parish at St. Leo's Church, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Military Honors concluding the services. Memorial offerings can be made to St. Vincent De Paul Parish, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY.