Philip F. Vella, 78, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 31, 2020 at Mercy Health Hospital-Rockton. He was born April 2, 1941 in Rockford, IL, the son of Anthony and Beatrice (Poli) Vella. Philip served in the United States Navy. Philip married Cynthia Outzen on September 9, 1967 in Rockford. He went on to work as a tool and die maker and retired after 47.5 years. Philip was a member of the Lombardi Club in Rockford for many years. Philip enjoyed fishing, trap shooting, gardening and hunting.
Philip is loved and missed by his wife of 52 years, Cindy; children, Shawn (Lois) Vella, and Nicole (Tere) Bandy; grandchildren, Antonio, McKenna, Jamie, Nathan, Damian, Chayton, and Maya; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Josiah, and Kyri; special fur friends, Blue, Lala, Deohgi, and Minnie; siblings, Frank (Donna) Vella, Annette (David) Aughenbaugh, Tony (Diane) Vella and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial gathering will be held from 9-11 a.m, Friday, February 7, 2020 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL 61102. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
