Obituary of Michael F. Vannella

Michael Francis Vannella Sr., 97, died Sunday, December 2, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. Michael worked for 34 years as a clothing cutter for Top O Mart Clothing and later Royal Crown Clothes. He also was an accomplished trumpeter that spanned a career of 30 years. His musical accomplishments included the US Army Band, which he became a part of when he joined and served during WWII. He also played local venues, such as the Atlantic City Steel Pier and locales in and around Philadelphia. Michael's biggest musical accomplishment was being part of the CBS Orchestra, which broadcast nationally on the radio. He was a member of the South Jersey Musicians Union and the Knights of Columbus. He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Katherine (VanDeusen) Vannella; four children, Michael and Mary Ann (Dywan) Vannella of Ocean City, Kathleen and Mark Driscoll of Upper Deerfield, Mary Ann Salerno of Washington Township and Robert and Mary Ann (Vickey) Vannella of Vineland. During his final years he and his wife lived with their daughter Mary Ann in her Washington Township home. He also was survived by 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 9am to 10:30am at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 11am at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, St. Isidore's Church, 1655 Magnolia Rd., Vineland. Michael will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, stjude.org/memorialgifts. Memories, thoughts and prayers may be extended to the family by visiting dlfuneral.com.