Louis J. Vella

SHREWSBURY- Louis J. Vella 69, of 37 Main Circle, died Wednesday in University of Mass Medical Center, 55 Lake Ave., Worcester after being stricken ill.

He is survived by his wife of 47 Years, Carol J.P. (Trenouth) Vella, and his 5 loving children: John A. Vella, of Muskegon, MI; Matthew W. Vella, of Westborough; Christopher L. Vella, of Shrewsbury; Jeannine M. Cramb, of Ramstein AFB, Germany; and Patricia R. Bell, of Marstons Mills; and 9 Grandchildren.

Among his survivors he also leaves his Mother Fannie (Rizzo) Vella of Medford, a Sister Rose Marie O’Brien of Medford, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Vella was born in Boston on June 24, 1934, son of Salvatore and Fannie (Rizzo) Vella, and was raised and educated in Medford Schools.

He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Boston University, his Masters degree in Education from Worcester State College, and his Masters degree in Art from the University of Connecticut.

Mr. Vella was the Director of Music at Shrewsbury High School for many years, retiring in 1992. He and his family have owned and operated Robinson Music, Inc. in Westborough for 20 years, where he has also been a Woodwind instructor. He was a member of Saint Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury and directed the senior choir for over 30 years. He was a member of the Worcester Musicians Association Local 143, a member of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association, and a long-time conductor of summer concerts at Dean Park in Shrewsbury.

His funeral will be held on Saturday Sept. 6, 2003 with a mass at 9:15 AM in St. Mary’s Church, burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, calling hours in Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, (www.brittonfuneralhomes.com) will be held from 4-8PM Friday Sept. 5, 2003.

Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Louis Vella Memorial Music Scholarship Fund, c/o Shrewsbury Municipal Credit Union, 615 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.