William J. "Bill" LaBella

Mr. William J. “Bill” LaBella, age 90, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2009 at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Born in Utica on June 16, 1919, William was the son of the late Moses and Theresa (Leone) LaBella. He was raised and educated locally, and attended Utica Free Academy. A member of the Greatest Generation, he was a proud veteran of World War II, serving his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1941-1945. On June 24, 1945 he married the former Pauline Angerosa with whom he shared 47 blessed years prior to her passing on August 21, 1992. An energetic entrepreneur, Bill established Nationwide Vending Systems in Utica, a company that is still in operation today. He was endowed with an extraordinary work ethic, and ran his enterprise until he was 89 years old; a trait he instilled to his children and grandchildren. At home, he was a loving provider and the most important aspect of his life was caring for his family. He had an appreciation for the outdoors and nature, and in his younger years, he was an avid hunter and was able to enjoy fishing with his family into his later years. Bill was also a colorful storyteller. Bill is survived by his daughter, Sharon LaBella of Utica and her children, William J. Lints and fiancée Kari Clive, and Dr. Sherry Anne Lints, all of Utica; his son and daughter-in-law, William M. and Marjorie LaBella of Remsen and their children and families, Shana LaBella Thompson and Jamie Thompson of Utica, Dr. Tiffany LaBella of Philadelphia, PA, Aaron and Jenni LaBella of Remsen, Alana LaBella of New York City, Shane and Lori Duus of Columbia, SC and Crary and Nathan Brouhard of MN; his great-grandchildren, Kaiya Thompson, William Duus, and Jackson LaBella . Survivors also include his sister, Carmela M. Mallozzi of Utica; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was predeceased by twenty brothers and sisters. Visitation will be held Friday from 9:00-11:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Bill’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at the Tompkin’s Memorial Chapel at the Masonic Care Community of NY campus with military honors. Pastor David Green will officiate the services. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

William J. "Bill" LaBella

June 16, 1919 - August 17, 2009