Julie Vacarella Ciulla

Julie Ann Vacarella Ciulla 61, passed away peacefully on September 27th, 2023 after a life well lived, full of love and joy. She is survived by her devoted husband, Sam, her many sisters and brothers in law, aunts, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends and loved ones.

Julie was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 2, 1961 to Josephine D’Alessandro Vacarella and Ross Walter Vacarella. She attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, John Carroll Catholic High School, and Birmingham Southern College where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology and Chemistry. As a young adult, Julie loved and excelled in her work in microbiology. A lifelong Catholic, Julie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, and held a special devotion to Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Saint Pio had a great appreciation for suffering and saw it as an instrument to drawing closer to God.

Julie married the love of her life, Samuel A. Ciulla, Jr. on December 3, 1988 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. They shared a deeply loving and devoted life for 34 years. Julie shared her love and kindness with whoever she met, and enjoyed calling her loved ones to simply check in. She always placed a personal touch of love by sending cards and inspirational messages for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. You would often find her taking pictures to remember good times with family and friends.

A celebration mass of her life will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Jude’s Hospital, which held a special place in Julie’s heart. Donations can be made at https://www.stjude.org/donate .

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Ciulla family.