Obituary: John W. Gardella, Seekonk American Legion Member

(From the Hathaway Community Home for Funerals.) 

John W. Gardella, 66, of Swansea died on Friday April 12, 2013 at the Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River. He was the husband of the late Paula (Stone) Gardella whom predeceased John on March 30, 2013. John was born in Fall River the son of Frances (Morris) Gardella of Fall River and the late Stephen Gardella.

Mr. Gardella was a graduate of BMC Durfee High School class of 1965, Bristol Community College in 1972 and UMass-Dartmouth in 1973 with degrees in Sociology. Mr. Gardella served his country with the United States Army National Guard 5th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. He served his country for 22-years and he earned the Rank of Master Sergeant.

He was a communicant of Saint Dominic Church in Swansea. John was a member of the Westport Vietnam Veterans Chapter 207 and the American Legion Post 145 in Swansea and the Italian American War Veterans Post 10 in Fall River.

Survivors besides his mother are a daughter: Stephanie Gardella of Ludlow, MA; a sister: Frances Kingsley of Swansea,; good friends and caregivers: Donna Crook of Somerset, and Victor Tremmel of Fall River; along with several nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Service will be held Tuesday at 8 a.m. from the Hathway Community Home for Funerals , 900 Buffinton St., Somerset, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. in Saint Dominic Church, 1277 GAR Hwy, Swansea, burial to follow with military honors  in Vinnicum Woods Cemetery in Swansea. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4-7 p.m.

Memorial donations in his memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.