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Max Vella Obituary
Max is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Patricia Vella and his children Carol (Michael) Bowling, Arlene Weston, Catherine (Stephen) Abela, Michael (Lynn) Vella, and Patrick Vella. He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Joni and Jerry Bowling; Angela, Maria, and Danielle Flores; Michelle and Christopher Abela; Austin and Kaitlyn Vella; and great-granddaughter Lexi Bowling.
Max graduated from Lick-Wilmerding, Class of 1951, and continued his education at San Francisco State University where he met his wife and received his Bachelor's degree. He was commissioned into the Air Force where he used his talents working on plane engines. He was proud to attain the rank of Captain and upon completion of his military service he returned to SFSU earning his Teaching Credential and Master's degree graduating with highest honors. He was a life-long educator teaching Industrial Arts for over 30 years at Mission High School. In addition, Max worked as a journeyman machinist on the waterfront during his vacations. He was a hardworking man who provided well for his family.
When he wasn't working, he truly loved time at his cabin in Cazadero where he spent many years watching his children and his tomato garden grow. He could also be found at the neighbor's cabin playing his accordion and entertaining those around him. Max was a long time member of St. Cecilia's Church and he will be missed by his friends at 7:30 am Sunday Mass.
Visitation will be on Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 6:00 – 7:00pm, followed by the Rosary Vigil at 7:00pm at St. Cecilia's Church, 2555 17th Avenue San Francisco. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Cecilia's at 10:00am on Monday January 23rd, followed by burial at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd, Colma.
In defiance of the disease that took him away from us, donations can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org/norcal.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Max Vella
5 Entries
February 2, 2017
Max, After a brief greeting, you would always ask me: How are your vines doing? Those and other moments I will remember and treasure.
Gene [and Suzanne] Valla
Louis J. Vella Hon Consul General of Malta
January 30, 2017
Condolences to the Vella family, with thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Pellandini Glenn
January 19, 2017
Carol my condolences to you and your family. Your dad was such a nice man.
Cathy Pellandini Glenn
Bernadette Wozniak
January 18, 2017
Max was one in a million. Summers in Cazadero were that much sweeter with his presence. My prayers and thoughts are with the Vella family. I am sure mom and dad will have a big welcome for him on their porch in heaven.
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