Lewis J. Vella, “Louie”

Feb 6, 1946 - Mar 17, 2021

Lewis J. Vella was born February 6, 1946 in Naxxar, Malta, and passed away in his sleep at home on Wednesday, March17, 2021 in Castro Valley, CA at the age of 75. He was the second of four children of Angelo Vella and Josephine Micallef. His family immigrated to San Francisco, CA in 1950. He attended Burnett, St. Boniface, and St. Paul of the Shipwreck elementary schools, and then Riordan High School. His family moved to San Leandro, CA in 1962 and Lewis lived in the East Bay from then on. He completed San Leandro High School in 1964. He attended Chabot College for two years and then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1966 to 1969, at Lubbock, TX; Amarillo, TX; and at George Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert, CA in base supply. He worked for Lakeshore Learning Co. (school supplies), then as a printer for PIP for 3 years, then for Matson Lines, starting in 1977, first as a printer for several years, then as a computer operator for the rest of his career. He never married and retired in 2007. He liked to bowl, play online multiplayer computer games, collect books and movies, and read science fiction. Louie was a warm and friendly man, who loved life, his friends, and his family. He faithfully attended the Vella Family Annual picnic for 65 years and always brought the donuts.

He was quite the conversationalist and had the most memorable booming laugh. For many years he was part of the Vella pumpkin carving crew for Halloween. We will miss his garlic mashed potatoes and his hugs. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Anthony, and his sister Mary Jane. He is survived by his brother, Charles (and his wife Marilyn); his brotherin-law Howard Mordell; and his nieces and nephews: Lea Vella (David Byrd), Maya Vella, Meisha Vella (Luis Cruz-Rodriquez), Angie and Garrett Mordell.

Due to the Pandemic, a celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date. In Louie’s memory, enjoy each day to the fullest and share your gifts with others.