The Man Who Would Not Be Broken

Carmelo Puccia has tackled life-threatening illness and faced heartbreaking loss. But this wise-cracking Brooklynite just keeps on being Carmelo.

Photos by Gabrielle Lurie

Blind since childhood, Carmelo Puccia has faced trial after trial over the past year. It has been a year full of sickness and loss, but also one filled with joy. He has dealt with the death of Maria, his girlfriend of twenty-plus years, and his continuing struggle with two bouts of cancer and diabetes. Yet Carmelo somehow always overcomes adversity with good humor and a lively spirit.