It is with a heavy heart, the family of Frank A. Vella, Jr announce his passing on September 14, 2022. He was surrounded by his loving family when he peacefully left to be with God. He was 50 years old.
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 21 years Jennifer (Haley); his loving daughters Alexandra and Samantha; Proud parents: Frank and Carol Vella (Larry Scherff); Adoring sisters: Cami and Lori Vella (Nephew: Gianni Mirosevich); Special Aunts, Uncles and Cousins: Pino (Maria) Vella, Michael Spinelli (Cousins: Glen Spinelli, Michele Spinelli Horan, and David Spinelli), Joseph Spinelli (Cousins: Michelle Aubeuf and Melissa Donner), Father and Mother in-law: Barry and Judy Haley; Sisters and Brother in-law: Jill Wood (Nephews: Zachary MacDonald and James Wood); Robert Shon and Julie Lilledahl (Nephews: R. Shon and Jacob Lilledahl) and Jason and Rosa Haley (Nieces and Nephews: Aria, Aaron, Anthony, and Addie Haley); close dear friends, and his family pets: Leap the frog, Stacey the fish, Grand-puppy Ollie, and George the tortoise. He was predeceased by his Grandparents: Salvatore and Carmela (Sciortino) Vella and Joseph and Lucy (Andolina) Spinelli.
Frank, or Frankie to many, was a very humble yet culinary genius who loved taking requests which often resulted in: pasta and chicken with his special cream sauce, chicken parmesan, grand holiday dinners, hosting Friends-giving dinners for his kid’s, or cooking up a simple steak that only he could make. He loved cheering on his children when they played Little League Softball, spending all day at regattas watching them race, or he would happily step in to help with fingernail painting for dance recitals. Frank’s love for traveling with his family brought him to places all over the world such as Germany, Mexico, Sicily, Niagara Falls, Hawaii, or his favorite – laying poolside at the family condo in St Pete, FL. In his downtime, he could be found anxiously cheering on the Buffalo Bills, watching his favorite television shows such as Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad or some off the wall documentary that would draw in others around him. Frank’s love for the holidays was infectious. From decorating for Halloween to be the best on the street to hiding Easter eggs in plants and shoes for the girls to find. He was always the first one to run down the stairs on Christmas morning to grab the video camera for the top of the stair pose. Then, he would start prepping for the big dinner he was always proud to serve up. Frank’s love for his family ran deep. He always knew how and when to give impactful advice, and he was just the ear needed with his humor and calming presence that could heal all wounds.
After graduating from Bishop Kearney High School in 1990, Frank worked full-time in the family business and later became President and 2nd generation owner of Vella Bath & Kitchen, Inc. Having grown up in the industry, he added his own personal touch to the continued growth and success of the company. He truly enjoyed the friendships that came from his client and vendor relationships. Frank treasured the personal moments he had getting to know his employees, contractors, and their families through holiday parties, summer BBQs, and celebrating an employee with a birthday pizza lunch.
His love for volunteering or sponsoring local teams was just second nature to him as he would do anything he could to support the local teams and clubs where his daughters were active in. Frank had a special gift of getting to know people one-on-one and to have that blossom into lasting friendships.
Special sincere appreciation for his doctors, nurses, and staff at the Wilmot Cancer Center and to the UR Home team for all the care and compassion they gave Frank and his family leading up to his final days. You all made a huge impact. We are eternally grateful.
A Celebration of Frank’s life will take place with Calling Hours on Wednesday, 9/21 from 3-6pm at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport, NY 14450
Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, 9/22 at 10am at St. John of Rochester Church 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY 14450.
Memorial donations in Frank’s name may be made to:
UR Medicine Home Care: 2180 Empire Boulevard Webster, NY 14580
Comments
31 responses to “Vella Jr., Frank A.”
My dear brother. It is with incredible pain that I write this comment. I will miss you all the days of my life. I take joy in knowing you will watch over me and Gianni. Be our guardian angel and help us on our journeys. I know I felt and saw you yesterday. Praying for your passage to heaven. Until we meet again Frankie. Love, your annoying little sister.
I talked to frank two weeks ago because I had contracted cancer and he gave me his doctor’s name and encouraged me to go to strong. Little that I knew that would be the last time I would talk to him. We had a great relationship when Ii was sales rep from vp supply. I am truly devastated by hiis passing. My prayers for you a n d everyone in his family. I will be at the funeral..p
Sending Love
Hoping that the Love of Family & Friends
helps ease the pain during this Very Sad Time.
God’s Blessings to All❤️??
Anne Lambert
I was so lucky and so privileged to have known Frankie for over 30 years. In that time I got to enjoy his cooking, see his excitement when he met Jenn and his true heart for his girls. Although he will be so missed the memories that Dan and I have are full of fun and happiness. He will forever be remembered as not just a good person but a great one!
Frank “The Kid” Vella has been my best friend for 43 years. I am honored to have shared so many great memories with him and will cherish the time we had together for the rest of my life. One day f those memories was the daily workouts at Bally Fitness bsck in our college days and Frank would always want to end our workout with a trip over to Sals Birdland for a bucket of wings. He loved that Sal’s sauce. Such a great way to end our workout. I’ll miss your humor, your ear for me to talk to, your advice, but mostly your friendship. RIP big guy you legend, till we meet again.
I loved that he never flinched at any of my ideas for my kitchen and later my bathroom, even adding his own to make my one-of-a-kind rooms. Nothing ever flummoxed him and his calm yet jovial presence was always calming during a big renovation project. I’m so glad I had the chance to have the best parts of my home designed by Frank.
Frankie has been a part of our family for 25 years…. Throughout those years I was able to witness the love he had as he exchanged wedding vows with my little sister, become a father to two beautiful daughters, have a home full of love, laughter and memories, be the perfect host for his out of town visitors, support his wife and girls and be their biggest cheerleader!, always stepping up and making his delicious Thanksgiving mashed potatoes and gravy, enjoy a glass, or two of Whiskey with Shon, lending a hand whenever needed, and never complain about the endless shopping he did with his girls.
Frankie, you will always hold a special place in my heart…. I am honored to call you my brother (in-law). I love you and know that Jenn, Alex and Sammi will always be loved and cared for by those family and friends that touched your life!
I love you dad . My angel. I will forever miss you.
I will miss you forever. Thank you for being my best friend for the past 17 years. I love you dad <3
Frankie, I remember when you were born. And I got to be your third grade teacher! So proud of the wonderful man and father you became. You made the world a better place. ❤️
Such love in this family, I’m so sorry Jenn, Alex and Samantha
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lots of memories growing up as a neighbor and classmate of Frankie. The Vella family is in my thoughts and prayers. Frankie was a great classmate and friend.
Jenn, Alex, and Sammy – I am so very sorry for your loss. Frank was always willing to pitch in and do whatever was needed for FCC. I hope your joyful memories bring you comfort in the time ahead.
You’ll always be with me. I remember sitting next to you when you took your first few steps , Grateful that I was also with you towards those last precious moments on earth. Love you little brother….
My heart breaks for you Cami. God Bless you and your family
He was such great life…we smoked a few cigars at the Christmas parties and I enjoyed the company of an obviously genuine person. My heart goes out to all near and dear. God bless
Jennifer and daughters my condolences to all of you many prayers being sent up to our lords kingdom ?❤️
Very sad to hear of Frank’s passing. He and his team did both of our bathrooms and they did a great job. Frank always had a very calming presence; condolences to the family as he will be missed.
We were shocked when we heard of Frank’s passing. We met Frank through his business as he did both of our bathrooms. He was wonderful to work with and a great person. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.
All our sympathy to the Vella family. As clients of Frank’s, we always admired and appreciated his expertise and spirit. It was a pleasure to work with him and his team. Many, many homes in this area are better because of his beautiful work. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to the family. Frank and crew remodeled my kitchen 4 years ago. I am still in awe of it. I have fond memories of Frank helping me through the process. I am so so sorry for your loss. Very nice man.
Our deepest sympathy to Frank’s family . Vella has been our go to contractor for years and has designed and built two beautiful bathrooms and a kitchen. Franks flair for design his honesty, integrity and gentle good humor made him a pleasure to work with. He will be missed. David & Judy O’Donnell
Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of Frank. Our sympathy is extended to the entire family. Isabella especially adored Frank and especially his wonderful cooking. We pray for your strength during this very difficult and sad time. Lean on the love and memories you will cherish always.
Carol and family we were sorry to hear about your son.You and your family will be in our prayers. treasure all the good memories.
There is nothing that anyone can say to lessen the pain of a great man passing. Just know that Frank is in our hearts and minds. His humbleness, his smile, his willingness to give, he will be sorely missed.
We met Frank in 2021 when looking to have our bathroom redone. Frank’s calm personality put us at ease and his knowledge and expertise convinced us immediately to have Vella do the job. Frank checked in throughout the job. He was as professional as he was kind. Rest in peace, Frank.
We first met Frank a decade ago. Frank converted us from strangers to “prospects”, to friends, to customers, to “three-peat” customers, and, even to “famiglia”. We will see our Friend Frank every morning over coffee in our Vella Kitchen.
We trust that God Will Bless Frank, his family and his friends.
My wife and I first met Frank 22 years ago. His vision, style and imagination helped us formulate many great projects. His guidance and friendship will be missed. Our condolences go out to Jennifer, Alexandra and Samantha as well as Frank Sr (who let me help set tile on our first project).
To quote the immortal words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints in the sands of time.”
We will miss you Frank.
Fondly, Lucien Morin, II
My sincere condolences to the Vella family. I just found out today. Frank was a wonderful person. He did my kitchen and family room with fireplace . We worked together on it for about 2 years due to the pandemic. It is so beautiful. I think of Frank and Steve every time I look at the wonderful work they did for me. Frank was so patient and kind and worked very hard to make his clients happy. I will remember Frank always and keep his family in my prayers.
Thank you, Frankie for an amazing 25 years and two beautiful children. From the first night I met you, you had me laughing. and it never stopped. We had more laughs in us, more trips, more family dinners, more everything. We weren’t done yet. You are and will be forever truly missed. Xo – Jenn
I am m so sorry to hear about the passing of Frank, I was stunned to find out this morning, my deepest condolences goes to the Vella family, thinking and praying for you.