Days of our lives spoilers: SAD NEW – Ex-DOOL Vincent Irizarry Shares tragic Loss SHOCK fan.

Tragic Loss Strikes Days of Our Lives Star Vincent Irizarry: A Heartfelt Tribute to His Late Mother

In a sorrowful and deeply moving announcement, Vincent Irizarry, beloved for his captivating role as Daimon Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives, has shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of his mother, Carmela “Millie” Russo Irizarry. Millie passed away on April 5th, surrounded by her family, leaving a profound emptiness that echoes beyond the walls of the Irizarry household.

Vincent’s grief-stricken message, shared briefly on his Instagram story before being deleted, expressed his profound loss in a quiet yet powerful statement: “Yesterday morning our beautiful mother passed away surrounded by her family.” These simple words, devoid of the usual fanfare, spoke volumes. They conveyed not only the devastation of a son mourning the loss of his irreplaceable mother, but also the deep sense of peace that Millie experienced in her final moments.

But to truly understand the magnitude of this loss, one must look beyond the words of grief and discover the remarkable woman that Millie Russo Irizarry was.

A Life Rooted in Family, Tradition, and Service

Born Carmela Russo in a tight-knit Italian-American neighborhood in Queens, New York, Millie’s roots were planted firmly in family and community. Raised by first-generation immigrants, Millie learned the values of hard work, compassion, and above all, the importance of family. Sundays in the Russo household were sacred, filled with the smell of her mother’s homemade pasta sauce and the stories of the “old country” passed down by her father.

Her love for cooking was legendary, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already the heart of the home, organizing gatherings that would forge friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her pasta, roast pork, stuffed artichokes, and endless trays of homemade cookies were just the beginning. Millie’s true gift lay in her ability to make everyone feel special and loved.

Beyond the kitchen, Millie’s heart for service knew no bounds. She volunteered at the local food pantry, organized holiday gift drives for underprivileged children, and served as a mentor to young women through her church’s outreach programs. Her acts of kindness—small yet powerful—created ripples of goodwill throughout her community.

A Devoted Mother and Pillar of Strength

Vincent Irizarry, known for his on-screen intensity, has always been a devoted son. His heartfelt tribute to his mother on social media resonated with fans worldwide, showing a side of him rarely seen in the public eye. In his words of gratitude and grief, Vincent wrote, “We are so blessed to have her as a gift to us,” thanking his fans for their love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.

Messages of condolence poured in from fellow actors, soap opera fans, and friends who had experienced Millie’s kindness firsthand. Many recalled how Millie had taken them under her wing when they were newcomers in New York, offering guidance, comfort, and a sense of belonging during their darkest hours.

A Celebration of Life and Legacy

Though Millie’s passing has left a void, her family has vowed to honor her memory in a way that reflects the love and kindness she shared with the world. In July, a memorial service will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Queens, New York, a place Millie attended for over 50 years. The service will feature heartfelt eulogies from Vincent and others who knew her best, alongside hymns, readings, and live music. A string quartet will perform Millie’s favorite songs, including Amazing Grace, and a poem by Mary Oliver that Millie often recited to her grandchildren.

True to Millie’s spirit, the reception will be a celebration of her life. Caterers will recreate her signature dishes—eggplant rollatini, braised short ribs, and the famous Sunday gravy. Dessert tables will overflow with cannoli, biscotti, and her cherished Lee Monello cake. In addition to the food, memory stations will display family photo albums, handwritten recipes, and mementos from Millie’s extraordinary life.

Continuing Her Legacy of Compassion

Instead of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Queens Community Food Bank, a cause Millie championed for decades. Her legacy of compassion and kindness will continue to thrive through charitable initiatives, with discussions already underway to establish the Carmela Erizzari Fund. The fund will support community-based food programs and youth mentorship in Queens, ensuring that Millie’s spirit of giving endures.

Though Carmela “Millie” Russo Irizarry is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through her family, her community, and the countless lives she touched. From Vincent’s heartfelt tribute to the memorial service that will celebrate her life, Millie’s memory will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.

To Vincent and his family, we offer our deepest condolences. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and may Millie’s memory continue to inspire acts of kindness, compassion, and love for generations to come. Rest in peace, Carmela “Millie” Russo Irizarry. Your story is far from over—it lives on in the hearts of those you warmed and the lives you changed forever.