Carmel Saliba, also known as Charlie or Lino, passed away on January 10, 2019 at the age of 87. Carmel was born on June 10, 1931 in the Mediterranean island of Malta to his father, Saviour Saliba and mother, Mary Ann Saliba (Letrizza).
After surviving the war as a child, Carmel left Malta at the age of 19 for America. He came through Ellis Island on May 13, 1950 aboard the SS Brazil. His first job was a boilermaker apprentice. A few months later he started work for the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1950 and served as a train inspector for 43 years retiring in 1993.
At the age of 27 Carmel went back to Malta to marry Theresa Mizzi on June 29, 1958. Their first child, Joe, was born on May 1, 1959 and their second son, Frank, was born 3 years later on November 11, 1962.
On September 17, 1983, Carmel married his second wife, Mary Cardenas, until her death in 2001. He loved dancing, football, growing roses in his backyard, and birds of all kinds especially the American bald eagle. He also loved cowboy movies and war movies, his favorite being John Wayne. He also loved pheasant hunting and going to the casino with his sons.
Carmel is survived by sons, Joe (wife Tina) and Frank (wife Leanne); grandchildren: Joseph, Jacob (Tania), Justin, and Matthew; his brother, Emillo; and two sisters, Catherine and Jessie and their families in Malta. He lived his last few years close to his entire family enjoying every moment he could, whether it be watching the SF 49ers, going to the casino with his family, or just sitting and enjoying the Colorado sun.
A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. on January 15, 2019 at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. He will be laid to rest at the Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544.