Bernard Louis Stella, age 84, of Rockwall, Texas passed away on Saturday January 19, 2019. Bernard was born Tuesday September 25, 1934 in Star Junction, Pennsylvania to Bridget Barber Stella and James Stella. He was the oldest son of three children, later welcoming Evelyn (Eve) and Shirley a few years later.
Bernard was raised by his grandmother, Angelina (De Cara) Cazan which is where he learned to cook and would grow to love cooking. He grew up in Star Junction where he would help raise hunting dogs, graduate high school, and enjoy the good life. Bernard was fondly referred to by family and friends as Sonny. He could be stubborn, but overall he was a kind-hearted spirit. As a young man he joined and proudly served in the United States Marine Corp. There he earned the National Defense Service Medal, USN Ocp Service Medal, and Good Conduct medal. He took a career with UPS as a driver at a young age, worked his way to becoming a supervisor, before starting his own very successful air freight business for many years. Sonny had a natural forte for business and benefited many in life with his skills.
Bernard was definitely a girl-maker, and proud of it, having had five daughters, Michelle, Kimberly, Christina, Allison, and Lesley. He was the Grandfather (Papa) of nine; Michelle, Jonah, Sarah, Rachael, Makayla, Ava, Liam, Aidan, and Landen. He was Great-granddad to six; Jacob, Emily, Ian, Gyovante, Kurstin, and Olivia and the Great-great Granddad to Lillianna.
Bernard loved to tell old stories, the kind that made you reminisce over the “Good Ole’ Days.” Cooking and gardening were a few of his favorite past-times. He enjoyed actresses Andrea Bocelli and Barbara Streisand. He was a Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bernard was preceded in death by; grandmother, Angelina (De Cara) Cazan; mother Bridget Stella; father Germano Stella; and sister, Evelyn Stella.
Bernard is survived by his wife, Charlotte Stella; daughters, Michelle Martin, Kimberly (Arnold) Goldman, Christina (Mark) Dagostino, Allison (Steve) Aring, and Lesley Stella (Michael Chambers); Grandchildren, Michelle (Abraham) Kerkulah, Major Jonah Martin US Army, Sarah (John) Wilhelm, Rachael (Danny Combs)Dagostino, Makayla Stella, Ava Goldman, Liam Aring, Aidan Aring, and Landen Chambers; Great-grandchildren, Jacob Matthews, Emily Matthews, Ian Wilhelm, Gyovante Owens, Kurstin Wilhelm, and Olivia Wilhelm; and the Great-great grandchild to Lillianna Matthews; and sister Shirley (David) Wright.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Arbor House, 5250 Medical Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Stella family.
