Carey Vella

Carey Lee Vella, age 49 years formerly of Caro, Michigan died peacefully at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at his home in Niles, Michigan following an extended illness.

He was born on December 10, 1972 in Caro to Bradley L. and Jeanne E. (Smith) Vella, and attended Caro High School.  He has lived in several states before settling in Niles eighteen years ago.  He has always been a welder, and was currently employed at the South Third Street plant of Pratt Industries in Niles.

Carey was quite comfortable at home, cooking barbeque recipes on the grill, and snuggling with the dogs while watching football and Star Wars.  He also enjoyed playing PS4 video games with his son.  But his greatest interest was his family, especially his children.

Sadly, Carey was preceded in death by his father, Bradley Lawson Vella, a sister Angelika Vella, and Donald Gene Malosh who Carey referred-to as Dad.

On December 30, 2016 in Traverse City, Michigan Carey married the former Elizabeth A. Staffier with whom he celebrated this year the fifth anniversary of their wedding. Surviving family includes his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Guilmette; his children, Huntter Vella of Niles and Kyra Vella of Tell City, Indiana; Carey’s mother, Jeanne (& Jerry) Pavia of Caro; grandparents Donald Leroy (& Grace) Smith of Lake City, Michigan, Beverly Smith of Caro, and Mabel Swisher of Caro; Carey’s siblings Jeremie (& Sally) Vella of Cass City, Michigan and Jennie Rickard (& special friend, Lester) of Caro; and several nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family of Carey Vella will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  The visitation will conclude with closing prayers by the Rev. Christian Johnston of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Carey clearly enjoyed all that life offers: especially spending time with his family and dogs, but even more – loving his wife and children.