Obituary of Pat G. Vella

West Columbia—A memorial funeral mass for Pat G. Vella, Sr., 65, of West Columbia, will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. Father Marcin Zahuta from St. Thomas More Catholic Student Center, at USC will be officiating. The family will greet friends following the service from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Vella passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2013. Born in Columbia, he was a son of Pat Joseph Vella and the late Joan C. Cox Vella. He was a lifetime area resident. Pat was a graduate of Airport High School where he excelled in athletics as a football player in the quarterback position, #11. His family is very proud of his accomplishments. After graduation, Pat was employed at his father's business, Vella's Deli for many years. He then founded Econ -O- Bug Pest Control and Sweetwater Mountain Springs Bottle Water Company. His last venture in business was Fish Hatchery Self Storage. His many passions included tennis, golf and hunting with his father. His children and family were very important to him even though he sometimes found it difficult to express his affection. A special thank you to Agape Hopice, Dody Vella and Pat and Rose for their care and support during his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations go to St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1610 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or St. Peter's Catholic Church, 1529 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or charity of one's choice. Surviving in addition to his father, Pat Joseph Vella and step-mother, Rose Vella of West Columbia; son, Pat G. Vella, Jr.; daughters, Dawn Vella Williams (Stephen) and Victoria "Tori" Lauren Vella all of West Columbia; four grandchildren, Amber and Alyssa Vella, Ryann and Reese Williams; sister, Robin Coker (Randy) of West Columbia; brothers, Joe Vella (Melinda) of Myrtle Beach and Jim Estes (Suzi) of Columbia; two nephews, Dody Vella and Bobby Mefford. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan C. Cox Vella, son, Chad Vella and granddaughter, Alexis Vella.