Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Alexander Francis Di Lella, 90, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Born on April 7, 1933 in Paterson, NJ, Al recently celebrated his 90th birthday with friends and family. He was the son of Alessandro and Adelaide Di Lella and the youngest of four brothers. He was always affectionately called “June” as in Junior, by his family.
As a first generation American, Al graduated from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY and was a proud and active alumnus. He truly loved his Bonnies. As a ROTC student, upon graduation he served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. He began his career at Nabisco Foods in New York City in sales, but he was eventually drawn to the family business, Fette Ford, in Clifton, NJ. In 1964, he joined his father-in-law Henry Fette and his brother-in-law Larry Fette and over a career of 34 years helped make Fette Ford one of the most successful Ford dealerships in the New York City area. His retirement allowed him to focus on his many pursuits – he was an avid skier, a skilled tennis player and a darn good golfer. But for him, it was all about a la famiglia. He loved being with his family and his grandchildren. Whether it was the many family ski trips over the years to Belleayre Mountain, Gore Mountain and Vermont, spending many summers with the kids and grandkids on the lake at Green Pond or sitting on the sidelines cheering on the grandkids at their many activities. Al was also very active in his Catholic faith and always a strong supporter of the parishes that he was a member of.
Al is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Maryanne. He is also survived by his older brother, Fr. Mario Di Lella, OFM (ret.) of St. Petersburg, FL. His surviving five children are Mark and his wife Sharon of Indianapolis, IN, Bryan and his wife Kristine of Tucson, AZ, Lisa (Brown) and her husband Bruce of New Preston, CT, Paul and his wife Nancy of Danville, CA and Carl and his wife Stephanie of Vero Beach, FL. His grandchildren include Lauren, John and Matthew Di Lella of Danville, CA, Mason and Olivia Locker of New Preston, CT, Henry and Carson Di Lella of Vero Beach, FL and Luke Di Lella of Tucson, AZ, along with many nieces and nephews.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
The Family of Alexander Francis Di Lella
April 14, 2023, 7:19 pm
A funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2085 Tallahassee Avenue, Vero Beach, FL on Monday, April 17th at 10 am. The family will greet friends at the church prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Bonaventure University.
Renee Green
April 16, 2023, 12:10 am
So sorry to hear of the passing of Al DiLella. So many memories of our times at Grand Harbor. My sincere condolences, especially, to my long time friend and fellow tennis partner, Mary Ann, and to all the DiLella and other family members. He certainly enjoyed life to the fullest.
Jan & Ray Oneidas
April 16, 2023, 8:14 pm
To know Al was to love him. Ray and I treasured the times we spent with Al at Grand Harbor. His welcoming smile and kind words were touching. His love for MaryAnn, his family and his faith were inspiring. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maryann and family ❤️
Diane Rizzi
April 17, 2023, 1:06 am
We are deeply saddened to hear of Al’s passing. His laugh and smile brightened everyone he came in contact with. He just radiated joy. Our prayers and love go to Maryann and all family
Len and Diane Rizzi
Candy & Waldo Johnston
April 17, 2023, 2:07 am
Always kind and encouraging words, always a smile, always a veritable and reliable backboard on the tennis courts, always the godly example of a man who loved God, life, and family. We cherish the memories.
Phyllis Cranston
April 17, 2023, 3:04 am
Maryann my thoughts and prayers are with you. Really sorry about Al’s passing. Wish I could be there with. Will keep you in my prayers and pray they help you get through this very hard. time. My deepest sympathies
Sincerely Phyllis Cranston
Helga johnson
April 17, 2023, 3:09 pm
So sorry for your loss, Maryann. In deepest sympathy, Helga.
Kevin Hayes
April 18, 2023, 4:37 pm
What a full, rich life and much to be proud of! My most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all during this challenging time. Sincerely, Kevin Hayes
Kristen Silvestri
April 18, 2023, 6:37 pm
Al will be missed by the Green Pond Community. My sympathies to Maryanne and Paul and the entire DiLella family. May the many memories you shared bring you comfort at this difficult time. Kristen Silvestri
Isabelle & Saeed
April 18, 2023, 8:08 pm
Dear Maryann and the whole Di Lella Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Big Al. He was such a great man with a big heart. We will cherish all the memories and good times, especially on the slopes. May God rest his soul and may he bless you all.
With Sorrow & Love,
Isabelle & Saeed
Alan Goodkin
April 20, 2023, 4:52 am
Dear Mrs. Di Lella, Mark, Bryan, Paul, Lisa and Carl:
I’m smiling and crying at the same time thinking about all of the great childhood and later memories I’ve shared with the Di Lella family. Living across the street from all of you growing up was a very meaningful part of my childhood. We all shared many great times together whether it was building snow forts at the end of Tall Oaks Drive before the town extended it, having apple fights with the “big kids” on the farm, feasting on Mrs D’s toll house cookies after sleigh riding (and continuing past college, maybe more this summer?), and later getting in all sorts of trouble together, especially with Bryan. I purchased my favorite car from Mr. D, my white Mustang GT 5.0 with the black ragtop. The 5.0 was the cause of more speeding tickets than i care to admit!
Mr. Di Lella was a classic! He loved his family his faith and he grew to tolerate us kids in the neighborhood who would infringe on family time he highly coveted. I know how much all of you will greatly miss him, I will too. He’s left this world a better place by raising all of his children to be successful, independent and successful in life in virtually every way. He’s not gone, he will continue to live on with the many great memories we all have of him. I’m so sorry for your loss (mine too), please accept my deepest condolences and sympathy.