Carella, John Andrew
John Andrew Carella, 54 Loving Father and Husband
John Andrew Carella, 54, formerly of East Hartford, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. He fought a long and courageous battle with a rare and incurable brain disease. He was the devoted husband of Michele (Testa) Carella, who was also his full-time caregiver, and the
very loving father of Anthony Carella.
John was born in Hartford on March 14, 1967 son of Phyllis L. Carella and John N. Carella. He grew up in East Hartford and was a graduate of George J. Penney High School, Class of 1985. He received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from The University of
Connecticut, and he also attended Florida State University in Tallahassee for two years, where he was a student manager with the football team. He worked for Traveler's, HARC, and HINES before finding his niche with WinStanley Enterprises in 2008. He remained with Winstanley until May of 2018 when he became disabled.
He loved his job and held his coworkers in the highest regard. They became an extension of his family, and he missed them terribly when he could no longer work. He is very much missed by his work family as well.
John was a very kind and caring husband, father, brother, son, son-in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin, and
friend. He always brought out the best in everyone who crossed his path. He had such a positive attitude, especially concerning the disease that took his life. He worked so very hard to beat it and fought to the
very end, always holding onto hope.
John loved to run with his wife, hike with family and friends, and go to the gym. He talked with his brother, Nick, almost daily. They exchanged political banter but talked mostly of horseracing, which the two shared a love of. They went to many major races together, along with other close friends, frequenting Saratoga, Belmont, and Aqueduct racetracks. John loved spending time with family and friends, especially on vacation. Some of his favorite memories were from time spent in Lake George, Cape Cod, Florida, and California.
John loved Michele and Anthony very much, the two of them meant the world to him. Spending time with Anthony was always a priority. Whether it was sword fighting when he was physically able, or talking about history and politics as his physical ability declined, his
relationship with Anthony was always a source of joy.
In addition to his wife of twenty-six years, his fifteen year old son, and his parents, those left to cherish and honor John's love and legacy are his mother-in-law and father-in-law, MaryJane and Anthony Testa who always thought of him as their own son; his brother, Nick and his wife Lisa; his sister, Sandy and her husband John; two nieces, a nephew, aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as an extended family of very dear friends.
A Memorial mass to honor and celebrate his life will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10:00am at The Basilica of The Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main Street, Waterbury. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial is private and at the convenience of his wife and son.
Michele and Anthony would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who sent cards, food, and gifts or called and texted. The outpouring of love and support has been very much appreciated. They would also like to thank his doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers, as well as the wonderful hospice team from Hartford healthcare who provided guidance and support along his journey. A very heartfelt thank you is extended to Monica Vaccarelli, John's private aide, who provided exceptional care as well as loving support to John, Michele, Anthony, MaryJane, Tony, and all the family and friends who visited during John's last days.
There are no words to describe John's loss. He touched the lives of so many, and the world was truly a better place because he was in it. If you would like to honor his memory, please consider a donation to a fund that has been set up for John's son. John worried about his son's financial future from the time he was diagnosed until the very end of his life. In lieu of flowers or food, all gifts can be made payable to Anthony Carella, c/o Nick Carella at Dufault, Vann & Carella, 819 Worcester Street, Indian Orchard, MA 01151. For more information and online condolences visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com