Giovanni Stella

MORENCI – Giovanni Stella, 91, of Morenci died early Sunday morning, May 28, 2023 at Fulton County Health Center in Wauseon, OH with his family by his side.
Born April 2, 1932 in Kilsyth, West Virginia, he was the son of Ferdinando and Josephine (Cinotti) Stella. Spending his formative years in the foothills of West Virginia, Giovanni eventually moved and settled in the Detroit area, finding work at Ford Motor Company. Giovanni graduated from Mackenzie High School. He continued his education at the Henry Ford Trade School in Dearborn and completed his electrical apprenticeship.
On June 10, 1961 Giovanni married the former Elizabeth Smith in Kilsyth, WV. She survives to cherish almost 62 years of love and memories. Elizabeth and "Johnny", as Mrs. Stella affectionately referred to him, had three sons, Giovanni ("Jon") A. Stella of Cleveland, OH, Greg Stella, and Andrew Stella (and Kim Massaro) of Jonesville, MI, who also survive.
In 1991, he retired from his position as Maintenance Supervisor with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, after 42 years of service. Giovanni maintained several jobs throughout his lifetime, sometimes two at a time. He worked in production, metal finishing, and in small electrical shops.
The Stella family lived in Detroit, Farmington, and Livonia, before settling in Morenci. Giovanni began farming after he moved his family to the Morenci area. He served as a volunteer during the construction of Stair Public Library, where Mrs. Stella was the director for many years. He refurbished the shelving and built the circulation desk with his son, just to name a few projects.
He was a faithful and active member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Fayette. There he spent many hours volunteering with his good friend, Jim VanAssche, who preceded him in death. In his spare time, you could find Giovanni gardening, volunteering and working on his numerous projects. He was also a member of M-156 Sodbusters Farm Bureau Community Action Group.
In addition to his beloved wife, Liz, and their three sons, Giovanni is survived by his siblings, Rose Ann Vanover of Beckley, WV; Ferdinando (Carol) Stella of Sartell, MN; and Luigi Stella of Daniels, WV; a grandson, Nikolas Stella of Grand Rapids; and a sister-in-law Sylvia Hall of Centreville, VA.
Giovanni was preceded in death by his brother, Pasquale Stella; sister, Carolina Click; sister-in-law, Mary Stella; and brothers-in-law, James Vanover, Maynard Click, and Robert Hall.
In accordance with Giovanni's wishes, cremation will take place. A graveside service and Rite of Committal will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, Morenci on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
The family suggests that memorial contributions to honor Giovanni's memory be made to two of the places that Giovanni used his time, talents, and efforts to support with his heart – the Stair District Library, 228 W. Main St., Morenci, MI or Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Fayette, OH.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Eagle-Marry Funeral Home, Morenci. Condolences can be shared with the family online at www.eaglemarryfuneralhome.com.