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Steven Vella Obituary
April 25, 1955 - Sept 20, 2011
Lifelong Modesto resident and farmer Steven P. Vella passed away at age 56 on September 20, 2011 in Modesto. Steve was sent home to the Lord after battling injuries from a motorcycle accident in La Grange, CA two days earlier.
Steve was born in Modesto on April 25, 1955 and lived there nearly all his life. As a child at his father's side, Steve spent much of his time farming, growing mostly peaches, almonds and berries. Steve attended Grace M. Davis High School and was a part of the Class of 1973. Once on his own, Steve with his former wife Jennifer, opened S & J Farms, a wholesale produce company, that grew blackberries and supplied locally grown produce to the Sierra foothills.
Steve was an avid fisherman and loved hunting, which is where you would find him if he wasn't working on the ranch. Spending time with his loved ones was something he cherished. Steve enjoyed family gatherings and barbeques, especially at the Old Fisherman's Club where he had been a member and officer.
Steve is survived by his four children, Jason P. Vella, Christina M. McKnight (Ryan), Latisha A. Kahn (Marc) and Blake H. Vella, all of Modesto. His granddaughter Haleigh Viola Pearce was the apple of his eye. He will be dearly missed by his brother Gary Vella (Darlene) of Modesto, his sister Sherri Vella Hewitt (Garth) of Petaluma, his stepmother Janice Vella of Modesto and his former wife and lifetime friend, Jennifer LeMaux Vella of Modesto as well as by his extended family of two Aunts, one Uncle, four Nieces, two Nephews and many cousins all of whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Joyce Vella, his brother Ricky Vella, his grandparents Peter and Viola Vella and his niece Donnelle Vella.
Due to the outpouring of love and support, Steve's life will be remembered and celebrated on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 5:30 pm at Salas Brothers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the Joyce B. Vella Agricultural Scholarship at Central Catholic High School, 200 South Carpenter Road, Modesto CA 95351.
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Memories and Condolences
for Steven Vella
October 2, 2011
I am sorry for your lose. Bob collins old fisherman club.
Les Holton
September 30, 2011
A great hunting and fishing buddy to both me and Stan Relvas. You will be greatly missed. R.I.P. my friend. For those interested, contact me for facebook info. I'm posting a poem I wrote in memory of steve.
Lesley Holton
September 30, 2011
Steve will be missed dearly. I couldn't count the times me, him, stan and corey were out hunting and fishing. On overnight trips we would draw straws to see who got to sleep nearest to steve. He snored something beyond terrible. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends. R.I.P. buddy, R.I.P.
MATT VELLA
September 30, 2011
Steve,I will miss you very much .THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. We had lots of great time and fun together, goodbye cousin
Denise Weldy
September 29, 2011
Steve, You came back into Matt's life over a year ago and that is when i first met you, Mulligan Stew day. I just want to say, you were a very generous person. You helped Matt and I out when we really needed it. I enjoyed going up to your new house and helping you out and barbecueing and just having fun. I'm going to miss you, Your friend Denise "Matt's lifelong campanion"
Peggy Batey
September 28, 2011
I wish we had had the opportunity to get in touch with Steve again. We had many good times drinking coffee and telling tales in the past. We will miss you friend.
The Batey's
Dale, Peggy, Russell, Debbie
Joan Vance
September 28, 2011
You were a special little boy that grew into a man that was loved. Your visits to your Uncle Robert was cherished by him when he needed a friend. You will be missed. Love Auntie Joan Vance
Christina Vella-McKnight
September 28, 2011
Dad,
We will miss you dearly. I have so many fond memories growing up and also all the time you spent with Haleigh. She will miss her Papa Steve.
Love,
Your Baby Doll
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