Christine (Carlino) Melkissetian, 71, of Watertown, MA passed away peacefully with her beloved husband Vahe Melkissetian, daughter and loving family by her side on March 11, 2021 after a short but hard fought battle with Mesothelioma.
Born in Boston and raised in the North End to the late Angelo Carlino and his wife Florence (Morelli) Carlino. Christine was a doting sister to siblings Robert ‘Bobby’ and Jacquelyn ‘Jackie’ sharing many fun memories together while growing up in both the North End and Newton. Christine graduated from Newton High School and went on to earn her cosmetology license. She worked many administrative and sales jobs throughout her life with one of her favorite being at Snapple getting to work alongside her late son, Dante Ferzacca. Christine also found great joy working at Newton Wellesley Hospital in the Women’s Imaging Department where her many coworkers became dear friends. Her love for the patients was evident and she enjoyed bumping into numerous neighbors and former classmates over her 20 year tenure before retiring in 2019.
Known for her compassion, strength, and great sense of humor, Christine was fiercely loyal to friends and family always lending an ear, shoulder to cry on or advice (even if unsolicited at times). Her vibrant personality would light up a room, her hugs plentiful and oh, how she could belt out a tune - anywhere at anytime and usually right on key. Her baking skills were legendary with nieces and nephews putting in requests prior to every holiday gathering. Christine had an amazing green thumb, loved gardening and surrounded herself with many beautiful plants. She always looked forward to making wreaths and other fun crafts with her ‘Crafting Angels’ group at St. James Armenian Church and felt so welcomed and loved by her friends there.
After meeting the love of her life and over a decade together, Christine married Vahe in 1999 in a beachside ceremony in Florida. Vahe brought her happiness like no other and their love and devotion has been a true testament over the 34 years spent together. They have laughed and cried, getting through some of life’s most challenging moments hand in hand. Even in her final days there was a deep love in her eyes when she looked at him or heard his voice. Her rock until the very end. In Vahe, her children and later her grandson, Christine found true happiness. Her love will forever live on through them.
She is survived by her loving mother, Florence Carlino of Lynn; her beloved husband, Vahe Melkissetian of Watertown; her devoted daughter, Danielle Casazza and husband, Gerry of Saugus; and the apple of her eye, grandson Roman Casazza. She is also survived by her very caring siblings; brother, Robert Carlino of Northborough; and sister Jacquelyn Carlino and wife Lori Tritto of Lynn along with many wonderful aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends that have become family. Christine is predeceased by her father, Angelo Carlino; and son, Dante Ferzacca.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, funeral services are private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to reach out to someone to listen, laugh or with a small gesture as Christine would often do or pay it forward with a memorial gift in Christine’s name made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1615 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 - www.curemeso.org.