John T Vella

John Vella, 97, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026. A lifelong resident of Elizabeth, John was born on October 10, 1928, to Ettore and Rose Vella, the third of eight children, and spent his entire life in the community he loved.

John proudly served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. Following his service, he began his career in the home building business with his brothers before becoming a proud member of Carpenters Local 715, where he worked as a carpenter and a millwright until his retirement. John had a long tenure as President, and then Assistant Business Agent for the Carpenters Union for nearly 30 years.

He shared 72 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan Vella, and together they built a family filled with love, tradition, and lasting memories.

Outside of work, John enjoyed golfing, tending to his garden, and spending time with his family at their Jersey Shore house in Seaside Park, where days were spent riding bikes, swimming at the beach and gathered around the table.

He is survived by his children: JoAnn McGrath (John), Thomas Vella, Richard Vella, Maureen McGarrity (Douglas), and Gregory Vella (Lisa). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Thomas Vella, Kathleen Nicastro, James McGrath, Anna McGrath, Alyssa Abade, Joseph McGrath, John Vella, Robert Vella, Andrew Vella, Matthew McGarrity, Meaghan McGarrity and Katherine Vella.

John was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Sadie Nicastro, Thomas “Duke” Vella, Colton Abade, Cora Abade, Miles McGrath, and George McGrath, who brought him great joy.

John will be remembered for his hard work, strong work ethic, craftsmanship, and devotion to his family—but more than anything, he will be remembered as someone you could always count on. He was always ready to lend a hand (even in his 97th year of life).

Despite an appearance of outward toughness, he had a deeply caring heart and showed his love through everything he did. He was a man of character and built a life alongside his wife centered around family. His legacy will live on in the generations he shaped and the traditions he created.
 

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John T Vella, please visit our floral store.