Obituary of Paul Bella

It is with great sadness that our father and grandfather, Paul Bella, age 95, peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 15th, surrounded by the love of his family. Paul was born in the Bronx on December 11,1927, to his parents, Anthony and Antinette. He joined the United States Armed Forces in 1954, where he was stationed in Beaumont, Texas, and after being discharged, met the love of his life, Catharine, in 1958. Paul and Cathie married in September of 1960 and shared a marriage of 60 years together, living in Brooklyn and finally settling in Rosedale, New York. Our father worked very hard, maintaining several jobs to support his family. Paul, or “Mr. Bella,” as he was fondly known as, began as a NYC Sanitation worker for twenty years. He served the community as a volunteer for the Rosedale Ambulance Corp. and was well respected by all who knew him. Upon retiring, he worked as a Security Officer for ABC Broadcasting, and later held that position at the Home Federal Savings Bank in town, where he finally retired at age 84. Our father was a constant support to not only his family, but to the community he so loved and enjoyed. From 2006-2020, Paul and Catharine settled in East Rockaway, hoping to share their remaining years there together, until Mom suffered an unfortunate fall and they moved into an assisted living facility in Nesconset. After just 3 months, both were stricken with Covid, and Dad was unexpectedly a widower, never to remember his great loss due to suffering from Dementia and other health issues. Paul was predeceased by his parents, and his beloved wife, Catharine. He is survived by his children, Lisa, (Thomas); Christine, (Giovanni); Paul, (Deborah); and Vincent, (Debra.) He will be missed dearly by his adoring grandchildren, Bobby, Jarrett, Brian, Angela, Michael, Jackie, Nicholas, Caitlyn, Alyssa, Lexi, and Hunter. We were so very fortunate to have him in our lives for so long, but after losing his beloved wife, Cathie, 2 years ago, it was time for him to be reunited with her once more. We are forever thankful for the many stories Dad has shared with us over the years; stories that will help to keep the memory of him alive for the rest of ours. God bless you Dad