Larry J. Stella

Larry J. Stella

May 9, 1944 – November 30, 2023

Larry J. Stella, a loving husband, devoted father, cherished brother, and doting grandfather, passed away on November 30, 2023, at the age of 79. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and fond memories that will forever be treasured by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on May 9, 1944, Larry was the beloved son of the late Dominic and Lena (Ferretti) Stella.

Larry was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1963. He attended Johnson College where he became a skilled machinist and enlisted in the US Army. During his service, he served many years in the 300th Field Hospital, spent a year in the 109th Field Artillery, and was deployed during Persian Gulf as part of the 92nd Aerial Port Squadron and again during Operation Enduring Freedom. Larry spent 29 total years in the military serving our country before he retired. He spent 28 years at the US Post Office as a letter carrier and maintenance person. Larry was a member of the Pittston Social Club, the National Association of Letter Carriers, the Knights of Columbus-Pittston, Pittston American Legion, the former Orioles Club and enjoyed playing many years of softball for Faleski’s Cafe before hanging up the cleats and chasing his sons and eventually his grandchildren around to their many sporting events. He was a life-long New York Yankees fan, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards. He was a member of St Rocco’s, Pittston, before it’s closing, and St Joseph Marello Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

In 1971 Larry married his beloved wife, Kathy Dovidas. Together they shared over 52 years together, building a strong and nurturing and loving home, welcoming four sons, Mark, Daniel, Michael, and Nicholas. Larry’s dedication to his role as a husband, father and grandfather were immeasurable, and his unwavering support and encouragement played an integral part in shaping the men they would become. If you knew Larry, you knew he had an infectious laugh and could tell a story that made you feel like you were the most important person in the room and that you were about the hear the best story in the world. His smile and enthusiasm for life are only some of the things that made him so special, but they always made any family gathering more fun and memorable.

In addition to his wife, Larry is survived by his children, Mark and Amy Stella of Pittston, Daniel and Marcie Stella of Duryea, Michael Stella of Duryea and Nicholas and Shannon Stella of Jefferson Hills, PA.; his grandchildren, Jakob, Aidan, Nadia, Domenic, Catherine, and Ryder who were the lights of his life and truly his greatest pride. He will be missed by his brother, Dominick of Old Forge, and sister, Marilyn Finnerty of Fairport, NY and many nieces and nephews. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, reminding us to cherish every moment.

Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated on December 9, 2023, from the Metcalfe Shaver Kopcza Funeral Home at 9am, with Mass beginning 9:30 am at St. Joseph Marello Parish at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 237 William Street, Pittston.

Interment will follow at St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Blanchard Street, Plains.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, December 8, from 4-7PM at Metcalfe Shaver Kopcza Funeral Home, Inc., 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Larry’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, EWTN Global Catholic, 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL 35210, or Catholic Station Church, 2220 Grandview Dr., Fort Mitchell, KY 41017.

The family would also like to extend many thanks to Geisinger Home Health, and the Doctors, Nurses, and staff of Geisinger Wyoming Valley, especially the dedicated team in the Intensive Care Unit.

They would also like to express their appreciation and thanks to Herbert his caregiver.