Carlo Tortora 97, died on September 28 at Brandywine Assisted Living , Colts Neck.

He was born in Naples, Italy, and immigrated to Brooklyn with his family. He was the owner and operator of Cropsey Auto Tops for many years.

Carlo was a parishioner of the Church of Saint Catharine, Holmdel, where he was an usher. He was a member of the Saint Catharine half-century club, where he and his wife joined in many trips with the group. He was a member of the Freehold Township Senior Club as well as the Veteran of Foreign War. Carlos served in World War II in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged, often he would refer to his time in the Navy as the best two years of his life.

He had a strong work ethic, which he taught to his children and grandchildren. He was very creative and could fix anything that needed fixing. Carlo loved having his family together for family dinners. He enjoyed all kinds of music and loved to dance.

Carlo was pre-deceased by his wife of 67 years, Florence Tortora in 2011.

Surviving are his four daughters, Mary Jane and her husband Thomas Julia, Barbara Wiseman, Carol and her husband Gerard and Jean Calandra. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation Sunday, October 6, 1 until 5 at the Holmdel Funeral Home 26 S. Holmdel Rd.,. Holmdel. Mass of Christian burial Monday, October 7, 10:30 AM at the Church of Saint Catharine, 108 Middletown Rd. Entombment to follow at Saint Gabriel's Mausoleum Marlboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carlo's memory to Asociacion Hogar Nazareth; asociacionhogarnazareth.org .