Joseph W. Stella

Dear Mrs. Stella, and the Stella family, I was very saddened to just hear of Dr. Stella's passing. Dr. Stella delivered my sister and I in the old Osteopathic hospital in the 60's, and was our family doctor until he discontinued his family practice. We always looked for him at the hospital after that, and he always felt like part of our family. He always seemed to know when one of us was in the hospital, and he made sure to visit. I'm sure my Mom and Grandmother will be happy to see him...

Dear Mrs. Stella and family, I was honored to be one of Dr. Stella's patient twice in the er at Allentown Osteopathic. I've never met such a kind person, being there for me as a young teen and when I was 16. I was scared on both occasions but he knew just what to do to calm me down. I will pray for your family. Dr. Stella is your guardian angel. He'll always be with you. Sincerely, Debbie(Reichard)Fink.

Darlene and Family,

We were so very sorry hearing of the passing of Joe. We did not know Joe well but when I would see you and him together, he would always have time to stop and talk. He was a kind person and a true Gentleman.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL
June and Ernie
Fenstermaker

Dear Mrs. Stella, From the family of Jerry Knapp,DO St. Louis accept our heartfelt sympathy. I know Dad treasured his relationsip with Joe as one of his most valuable. Trading diaper changing lessons in Kirksville on my oldest sister was a fond memory. He is now trading stories with Dad in Heaven. We will miss him sorely but we will get to be with them siin too. May God's Grace ease your suffering. The Osteopathic Profession has lost a giant.
Michael G. Knapp, DO

Darlene,Karen,John,John-Michael,and Morgan
We are so sorry for your loss. Joe was a kind,caring,and classy man. He always had time to stop and say hello and ask how everyone was. He had a deep genuine concern for people.He will be forever in our hearts.It was our privledge to know him.
Love,
Tim,MaryBeth,Timmy,Mandi,and Katie O'Brien

Dear Mrs. Stella, On behalf of the Board of Directors and Members of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP), I send you our deepest condolences. Dr. Stella was a friend and mentor to the physicians he trained in both Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine and to me personally.

People like him come along only once in someone's lifetime and I personally feel deeply lucky to have known him.

Janice Wachtler, Executive Director, ACOEP

Joe was one of the most compassionate and caring individuals I've had the pleasure to work with. He was truly a pioneer in his profession and served the Osteopathic community on a local and national level with honor and grace. he worked tirelessly to promote and advance our field of medicine. Despite his lofty status he remained humble and treated his patients, students and colleagues with kindness and good will. His loss is great and will be felt by many. He will never be replaced.