Harry J Vella

Harry J. Vella, age 87, of North East, PA passed away on Sunday September 17, 2023 at Millcreek Community Hospital.

He was born on April 9, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York the son of the late Ignatius and Josephine (Pace) Vella.

Harry graduated from North East High School in 1954 and was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army. 

He was formerly employed by General Electric in Erie for 29 years until retirement.

Harry was a member of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Church in North East.

He loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed sports, especially Notre Dame football and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Salvatore Vella, Joseph Vella, Frank Vella, and Pete Vella; sisters, Mary Doyle, Livia Tuttoilmondo, and Madeline Lawrence.

He is survived by his daughter, Michele Luthringer (Dan) of Millcreek; son, Robert Vella (Christine) of Harrington, Delaware; sister, JoAnn Kaufmann (Charles) of Ohio; grandchildren, Danny, Matt (Brittani), Karlie, and Nicholas (Melina); great-grandchildren, Bentley, Everley, Callie, and Addison; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to Millcreek Community Hospital and LECOM for their kindness, compassion, and professionalism throughout Harry's illness.

Family and friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Wednesday September 20th from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm and are invited to attend a Prayer Service at the funeral home on Thursday at 9:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Church. Interment will be held at St. Gregory Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Memorials may be made to St. Gregory Church, 136 West Main Street, North East, PA 16428 or the Erie Humane Society, 2407 Zimmerly Road, Erie, PA 16506. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.  

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