Moses "Moe" LaBella

Moses LaBella, 84, a lifelong Utican and longtime owner of LaBella’s Pancake House in Sylvan Beach, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2008 after a long illness. He leaves behind a large loving family and a boatload of beach buddies, who considered him a Sylvan Beach icon, as one headline proclaimed when Moe retired in 2006. His favorite song, “It’s A Wonderful World,” which played frequently on the LaBella’s Pancake House jukebox, reflected perfectly Moe’s feelings about his life journey. Moe was born Nov. 22, 1923 in Utica, to the Italian immigrants Moses and Theresa LaBella, the second youngest of 22 children. He survived The Great Depression working as a shoe shiner and bean picker and attended Proctor High briefly before enlisting in the Navy in 1942. He was a proud World War II veteran, serving 3 ½ years aboard the destroyers USS Bristol and USS Edwards, which was one of the escort ships for the USS Missouri when it carried Gen. Douglas MacArthur into Tokyo Bay to accept the Japanese surrender. In February, he was the subject of a front page feature in the Utica O-D after Rep. Mike Arcuri arranged for him to receive six earned war medals, 60 years overdue. Moe opened his popular beach diner more than a half century ago, in 1957, attracting tourists and celebrities in the summer and locals and ice fishermen in the winter. He catered to the breakfast and after hours clientele—as host, cook, bouncer and entertainer. The restaurant, which is now up for sale, was Moe’s passion because it allowed him to spend his days with Sylvan Beach’s vacationers and villagers, his favorite people in the world. Moe traveled frequently to other resorts, but he always preferred the shores of Oneida Lake, and died with Sylvan Beach sand in his shoes. Moe’s family was the only thing more important to him than Sylvan Beach. He is survived by his devoted caregiver and wife of 55 years, Lee, the former Angela Trisolino. Lee is also the primary caregiver for one of Moe’s favorites, her sister Lucille, and for many years dressed many of Utica’s brides as longtime proprietor of Mademoiselle Bridal Shop. Her parents, who Moe respected immensely, were Lucy and Joseph Trisolino. Moe is also survived by his four children: Gary (and wife Jeanne), Stephen, Brian and Lucinda, and eight cherished grandchildren—Lindsey, Carsen, Christian, Devyn, Jordan, Dakota, Noah and Aidan. Although none of the children and grandchildren live in the Utica area, they always gathered at the Sunset Ave. homestead for Christmases together, and always spent summers in Sylvan Beach. Moe is also survived by his brothers William and Joseph LaBella, sister Carmella Mallozzi and sisters-in-law Elda LaBella and Vi LaBella, as well as Lee’s family—Lucille Trisolino, Julie and Mike Houghton, Elaine and David Seeley, Gina and Luca Esposito, Sebastian Trisolino and Rosemary Trisolino. Moe was predeceased by brothers Paul and Sam LaBella and sisters Jenny Calabrese, Theresa Conte, Fannie Panetta, Laura Fava and Lena Chambrone, as well as his in laws Jay Trisolino, Marie Johnson and Celeste Surace. The family is very grateful for the expert care given by Moe’s doctors—Dr. Eric Yoss, Dr. Mark Blaker, Dr. John Ruben and especially the very compassionate Dr. George Tomy, and for the outstanding care given by Darlene Gabiger and the many skilled nurses of St. Elizabeth’s ICU and special care units. The family is especially thankful to three loving persons who have helped immensely during Moe’s illness—Betty Toomey, Patricia Gorton and cousin Larry Calabrese. All three have been shining lights who have been extraordinarily generous to both Moe and Lee. Most of all, the family is thankful to Moe himself. “It was a wonderful world you gave us, Dad, and we will remember and love you forever for it.” In keeping with Moe’s wishes, there will be no public visiting hours. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Moe’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence at 1pm on Monday, April 21 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Moses "Moe" LaBella

November 22, 1923 - April 15, 2008