Joseph Vella March 22, 1931- July 11, 2016

Comforted by his family and friends, Joseph Vella passed away on July 11. He was 85 years old.

Joe was born in Mosta, Malta.  He graduated from Technical School as a Tailor for the fashion design industry at the age of 19. One of many highlights in Joe’s career was when he had the honor of sewing an outfit for Queen Elizabeth. Shortly after, Joe moved to Canada and met his first wife, Helen. They moved to California and bought their home in Pacific Palisades in 1959. Their daughter, Caroline, was born later that year. Unfortunately the marriage didn’t last and they divorced in 1977. In the late 80’s Joe fell in love and married Ramona Renteria. They enjoyed traveling and volunteering at St. Augustine’s Parish together.

Joe’s first job in California was in the men’s alterations department at Seibu, a Japanese department store. He was also self-employed, and his clients included people from the entertainment, sports and medical industries. Joe enjoyed working on commercial sets, making sure the suit on the model out shined the fancy car he was standing next to. Some may remember the commercial “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” The lady standing in the forest would create a thunderstorm when she was upset. The dress she was wearing was made by Joe.

He had many passions which included singing in the church choir. He was a tenor in the Corpus Christi Parish Choir. In the eighty’s he joined St. Augustine’s Parish Choir and the Marina City Choir. Besides singing at the Disney Concert Hall, he had the honor of singing in the choir, when Pope John Paul ll said a mass at Dodger Stadium, on September 16, 1987.

Joe will always be remembered for his elaborate flower arrangements he made to decorate the church alters.

Joe is survived by his wife, Ramona, his daughter, Caroline Fausett (husband Richard) and granddaughter Amanda, and his brothers, Emmanuel and Rene and his sister Joyce.

There will be a Viewing August 5 from 4-8 p.m., Rosary from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. The Funeral Mass is planned on August 6 at 10:00 at St. Augustine Parish 3850 Jasmine Ave. Culver City, CA 90232. After the service Joe will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery with a reception to follow.