Obituary of Nino Joseph Vella

VELLA – Nino Joseph, 81, resident of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, passed away Dec. 22, 2012. Born August 2, 1931 in Barnesboro, son of the late Carlo and Lucy (Barrett) Vella. He married the love of his life, Norma Jean (Seymour). She preceded him in death on June 2, 1985. In addition to his wife, Nino was preceded in death by two brothers; Frank (Cheech); and James (Buffy); two sisters, Mary McCarthy; and Catherine Labelle; and brother in law, Victor Muneratto. Survived by four children, Nino (Diane), of Hollidaysburg; Thomas (Cindy), of Boalsburg; Ronald (Donna) of Ebensburg; and Susie (Stan) Cotchen, of Cresson. Nine Grandchildren, Michael, Anthony, Jessi, Nicole, Brandon, Christopher, Dani, Allison and Hannah. Also survived by two sisters, Mariah Muneratto; and Christine (John) Freda. Nino attended Barnesboro High School where he was the quarterback of the football team. A US Navy veteran where he won a distinguished medal for the Korean War (1951-1953) His ship was the USS Wisconsin. He was an emergency patrolman and cut hair and sang on that ship. Nino went to the Roffler Barber School in Pittsburgh. He cut hair in Altoona, had a shop in Loretto and later opened his own shop at the Ebensburg Mini Mall. He and his daughter, Susie worked in that shop-they both loved the work and their customers. Nino retired after 52 years of service. Nino loved spending time with his family. He was a great coach and mentor. He was always on the run making sure to visit all of his children. Nino also loved hanging out with his friends, brother in laws and especially his best buddy, Victor Panero, who was at the VA with his children at the end. Nino sang and brightened many lives with his voice. We can honestly say he did it “his way.” A private viewing will be held at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg. Family and friends are invited to celebrate a Funeral Mass at 11a.m. on Wednesday at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Loretto, the Rev. Msgr. Timothy Swope, V.F., celebrant. Committal, St. Michaels’ Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.