Max Joseph Vella
Max Joseph Vella, born on March 6, 1934, departed this life on January 12, 2017. He was a proud native San Franciscan, son of the late Catherine and Salvatore Vella, brother of Joseph Vella and the late Marion Coggan.
Max is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Patricia Vella and his children Carol (Michael) Bowling, Arlene Weston, Catherine (Stephen) Abela, Michael (Lynn) Vella, and Patrick Vella. He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Joni and Jerry Bowling; Angela, Maria, and Danielle Flores; Michelle and Christopher Abela; Austin and Kaitlyn Vella; and great-granddaughter Lexi Bowling.
Max graduated from Lick-Wilmerding, Class of 1951, and continued his education at San Francisco State University where he met his wife and received his Bachelor’s degree. He was commissioned into the Air Force where he used his talents working on plane engines. He was proud to attain the rank of Captain and upon completion of his military service he returned to SFSU earning his Teaching Credential and Master’s degree graduating with highest honors. He was a life-long educator teaching Industrial Arts for over 30 years at Mission High School. In addition, Max worked as a journeyman machinist on the waterfront during his vacations. He was a hardworking man who provided well for his family.
When he wasn’t working, he truly loved time at his cabin in Cazadero where he spent many years watching his children and his tomato garden grow. He could also be found at the neighbor’s cabin playing his accordion and entertaining those around him. Max was a long time member of St. Cecilia’s Church and he will be missed by his friends at 7:30 am Sunday Mass.
Visitation will be on Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 6:00 – 7:00pm, followed by the Rosary Vigil at 7:00pm at St. Cecilia’s Church, 2555 17th Avenue San Francisco. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Cecilia’s at 10:00am on Monday January 23rd, followed by burial at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd, Colma.
In defiance of the disease that took him away from us, donations can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/ norcal.