Obituary: Angelo LaBella, 89, Of Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — (From D’Angelo Funeral Home): Angelo LaBella, 89, of Middletown, husband of Sebastiana (Nella) LaBella for 64 years, passed away peacefully at home with family. Angelo was a devoted husband, father, son and beloved grandpa.

Born in Melilli, Sicily to the late Vincenzo and Matilde (Dibari) LaBella. He immigrated to the United States in 1958 with his wife's family. They achieved the American Dream as proud citizens. He was a blacksmith and welder by trade. He worked as a welder for the Wilcox-Crittenden company for many years. He then worked in the facilities department for Wesleyan University for 25 years.

With other family members, they owned a laundromat in Meriden for many years. He loved family holiday gatherings and dinners with immediate family. He was an avid gardener. He was a proud parishioner of Saint Sebastian church.

He was a longtime member of the Garibaldi Society and Italian Society of Middletown. He enjoyed spending time there with lifelong friends playing cards, watching soccer and telling stories (some real and some tall tales). He got great satisfaction in making others smile and laugh. He cared more about the well-being of others, versus his own.

He was predeceased by his brother, Alphonso LaBella; sisters, Rosa Parteli, Carmela Cannelloni, Nella Perticone.

Survived by sister, Giuseppa Sillato in Melilli Italy. Predeceased by sons, Vincent and Robert. Survived by wife of 64 years, Sebastiana (Nella) LaBella; daughter, Linda (Thomas) Pare; son, Joseph (Laurie) LaBella; and grandchildren, Jonathan and David Pare and Kaci LaBella. He is also survived by his in-laws, Salvatore Scianna, Rose (Gandolfo) Patti, Marisa (Sebastian) Gionfriddo and Tina Scianna. He was predeceased by brother-in-law Louis Scianna. He leaves many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

A special thanks to all the healthcare heroes who helped care for him.

Calling hours will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19 at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main St. Middletown, CT. A Burial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 20 at St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St. Middletown, CT. Burial will be held immediately after Mass at St. Sebastian Cemetery, 75 Meriden Rd, Rockfall, CT.