Joseph Vella

Passed away peacefully February 15, 2019, at the age of 70. Joe was born in Mosta, Malta, to parents Paul and Theresa Vella. Beloved brother of Philomena (John) Schembri and Carmen (Tom) Orton, nephew of Filomena Scerri, and a favorite uncle to Adrian (Kate) Schembri, Lisa (Martin) Lynch, Sharon (Angus) McInnes, Marina (Victor) Ochoa, and Juliana Orton (Kevin). Joe immigrated with his parents and sisters to San Francisco in late 1951 and remained a San Francisco resident until his passing.

Joe was a long-time member of the Boilermaker’s Union, having worked in the Bay Area for several decades as a machinist and welder. From a young age, he had an affinity for ships and all things ship-related, and he proudly worked at Bay Ship and Yacht Company for more than 15 years.

Joe was an avid movie fan and always had a new recommendation each time you saw him. He loved animals big and small and always kept a special spot in his heart for his late dog Butch. When not watching movies or on the computer, Joe enjoyed exercising and staying fit, as well as driving his beloved 1986 Corvette.

The family would like to thank the Kaiser Hospice team, Rhoda, Pam, Alan, Hal, Yanni and Joan, for their exceptional care of Joe in his final week of life.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, February 21, at 11:00am at St. Elizabeth Church, 459 Somerset Street, San Francisco. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.

Donations may be made to the Mesothelioma Foundation or a charity of your choice.