Richard T."Rick" Vella

Mr. Richard T. “Rick” Vella, age 50, of Utica, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on April 17, 1958, Richard is the son of Francis “Frank” Vella and the late Eleanor “Ellie” E. (Shrodi) Vella. He was raised and educated locally and was a 1976 graduate of Utica Free Academy. He pursued collegiate studies at M.V.C.C. and Le Moyne College where he earned a degree in Accounting. On July 15, 1989 he married the former Karen Goodnow with whom he shared 19 years in a loving and blessed union. Rick was employed by the Lutheran Care Ministries as the chief financial officer, starting out as an accountant and finance comptroller. He was devoted to the residents and staff of the Lutheran Care family for 27 years. He also enjoyed working various positions at the Pin-o-Rama Bowling Center in addition to his daily job responsibilities. But his family was the first and foremost priority in Rick’s life. As the eldest child, Rick brought much “comfort and peace” to any situation because of his caring and compassionate nature, offering the biggest heart and the most calming embrace. A true teddy bear at heart, he meant the world to everyone who knew him. He was loyal and devoted to his friends who were a part of his extended family. Rick served as a coach for South Utica Little League and Girls Softball teams, supporting his children in all their activities. He also volunteered as a bingo caller at Notre Dame High School over the years. He was an avid bowler, a sports enthusiast, and a music lover. He especially looked forward to the yearly trip to the Finger Lakes Region. He was a member of the American Legion Fort Schuyler Post #1290, the VFW Malsan-Jones Post 7393, and the Knights of Columbus. He was dedicated in his spiritual beliefs and devoted to his faith. He was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and oftentimes he attended services with his wife at the Messiah United Church of Christ in Washington Mills. Richard is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughter, Samantha Vella; his son, Nicholas Vella; and his father, Frank Vella of Utica. Survivors also include his sister and brother-in-law, Francine E. and John Julian of New Hartford; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul A. and Christine Vella, and Denis Vella and Rebecca Talerico, all of Utica; many nieces and nephews whom he treated as though they were his own children; loving aunts and uncles, Louise Shrodi, Lawrence and Theresa Shrodi, Gloria Shrodi, Josephine Vella, Lottie Koziol, and many other aunts and uncles too numerous to mention; his cousins; his father-in-law, Edward Goodnow; in-laws, Janet and Michael Halpin, Kevin and Alberta Goodnow, Mark Goodnow, and Craig and Laureen Goodnow. Rick also leaves many dear and cherished friends, with special mention of Steve, Tim, Tom, and Bob. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Clarice Goodnow; his nephew, Mickey Halpin; his paternal grandparents, Sam and Mary Vella; maternal grandparents, John and Emily Shrodi; uncles, Jack Shrodi and Thomas Vella; and his aunt, Benedetta Crosby. The family extends sincere appreciation to Pat Pitcher, the staff and the Board of Directors of Lutheran Care; Dr. Charles Eldredge, and the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their compassion and care. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may consider donations in Richard’s honor to the family, or to Lutheran Homes Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rick’s funeral service which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Richard T."Rick" Vella

April 17, 1958 - November 26, 2008