Frank P. Vellella, Jr. of Port Deposit, MD, age 68, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021. Frank was born on February 2, 1953 to the late Colonel Frank P. Vellella, Sr. and the late Helen Jewett (Meader) Vellella. He was raised an Army “brat,” and followed in his father’s footsteps graduating from the United StatesContinue Reading
Frank P. Vellella, Jr. of Port Deposit, MD, age 68, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021. Frank was born on February 2, 1953 to the late Colonel Frank P. Vellella, Sr. and the late Helen Jewett (Meader) Vellella. He was raised an Army “brat,” and followed in his father’s footsteps graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1977. In 1984 Frank transitioned into civilian life, working for various defense industry companies. Frank was a member of the Society of Logistics Engineers. Before retiring in 2018 Frank worked at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Radars.
Frank was known for his friendly nature, and enjoyed engaging others in long discussions and ‘tall tales’ that drew crowds and lots of laughter. He started every work day, with a wink and a nod, proclaiming “It’s a great day in corporate America!”
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kathy, and daughter Julia. He is also survived by his sister “Margie” Dixon of Australia, along with nephew Alan Lemire and niece Felicia Lemire Druce (Lindsay). In addition to his parents Frank is preceded in death by his nephew, David Lemire.
Services for Frank will be held privately. The family asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com
MAJ Steve Barton USA, Retired
left a message on November 11, 2021:
To Frank's family: I share your sorrow at Frank's passing. He was a wonderful man. We didn't know each other before our class was scrambled for firstie year. Then we found ourselves rooming together at the start of the year in Company F-2. Living with Frank was thoroughly enjoyable and I remember him fondly. He asked me to write his blurb for the yearbook and looking at the remembrances here I think I got it right: "...(N)othing the academic departments or OPE threw at Frank could break his serene enjoyment of the finer things in life. The old man was always ready to give advice on where to spend weekends or what stereo equipment to buy. A selfless and loyal friend, Frank's good humor, spirit, and energy will win him friends and success wherever he goes." Well done old friend, rest in peace.
Ed Smith
left a message on August 7, 2021:
On behalf of the Class of 1977 of West Point, New York, and the West Point Association of Graduates, please accept our condolences for the loss of Frank. The Class of 1977 has sent a $77 donation in Frank's name to the Class of 1977 Gift Fund for our upcoming 50th Reunion Class Gift to West Point. Respectfully, Ed Smith, Treasurer, Class of 1977.
Mark Liebenow
left a message on July 22, 2021:
My condolences to Kathy, Julia, and all the others who mourn Frank's death. I was one of Frank's room-mates at West Point during our plebe year. Frank was a kind soul with a generous heart. May he rest in peace. "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." May God bless you all!
Christian Bader
left a message on July 22, 2021:
A great boss and a great man. Godspeed Frank...
R. Mark Brown - Honolulu, Hawai’i
left a message on July 21, 2021:
My deepest condolences to the family for this too early loss. Frank was my West Point classmate and I was always proud to say so. All my memories of Frank are positive and I recall him as upbeat, happy, steady and friendly. I always knew if Frank was on my left or right I could count on him 100%. I well recall many happy times in training, on athletic fields and in class with a stalwart brother. Well done Frank, be thou at peace.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
MICHAEL F HULLIHAN
left a message on July 21, 2021:
As another second regiment guy, was surprised and saddened at news of Frank's passing. We somehow got put in a lot of the same academic sections in technical courses. He clearly had the knack. I was challenged and had to ask him for help. He was always there. Should have told him how much he helped me at the time, but I never got around to it. I'll let him know in my prayers. Classmate, patient academic coach, great officer, friend.
Butch Watson
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Frank was my West Point classmate. We shared the same experiences at the Academy and a special brotherhood that all of his classmates know. I also mourn his loss. My prayers for his family and friends.
Mark P Vellella
left a message on July 16, 2021:
In memory of Frank Paul Vellella Jr., Mark P Vellella lit a candle
Mark P Vellella
left a message on July 16, 2021:
Unfortunately I only met Frank when I was eleven, As a cousin I really wish things had been different. He was a great young man. Having lost a spouse of 30 plus years, a little over a year ago, Kathy stay tuff. If you need to talk, contact me.
Paul
left a message on July 14, 2021:
May you rest in peace.
Joseph Sullivan
left a message on July 13, 2021:
Frank was our Brother in the West Point Class of 1977. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Wayne Hoy
left a message on July 13, 2021:
To my USMA 77 classmate. Well Done... Be thou at peace. Esprit de Corps.
Cheryl Haley Hollister
left a message on July 2, 2021:
One of my fondest memories was a family trip to West Point just before my Aunt married Frank. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to my Aunt and cousin.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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MAJ Steve Barton USA, Retired
left a message on November 11, 2021:
To Frank's family: I share your sorrow at Frank's passing. He was a wonderful man. We didn't know each other before our class was scrambled for firstie year. Then we found ourselves rooming together at the start of the year in Company F-2. Living with Frank was thoroughly enjoyable and I remember him fondly. He asked me to write his blurb for the yearbook and looking at the remembrances here I think I got it right: "...(N)othing the academic departments or OPE threw at Frank could break his serene enjoyment of the finer things in life. The old man was always ready to give advice on where to spend weekends or what stereo equipment to buy. A selfless and loyal friend, Frank's good humor, spirit, and energy will win him friends and success wherever he goes." Well done old friend, rest in peace.
Ed Smith
left a message on August 7, 2021:
On behalf of the Class of 1977 of West Point, New York, and the West Point Association of Graduates, please accept our condolences for the loss of Frank. The Class of 1977 has sent a $77 donation in Frank's name to the Class of 1977 Gift Fund for our upcoming 50th Reunion Class Gift to West Point. Respectfully, Ed Smith, Treasurer, Class of 1977.
Mark Liebenow
left a message on July 22, 2021:
My condolences to Kathy, Julia, and all the others who mourn Frank's death. I was one of Frank's room-mates at West Point during our plebe year. Frank was a kind soul with a generous heart. May he rest in peace. "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." May God bless you all!
Christian Bader
left a message on July 22, 2021:
A great boss and a great man. Godspeed Frank...
R. Mark Brown - Honolulu, Hawai’i
left a message on July 21, 2021:
My deepest condolences to the family for this too early loss. Frank was my West Point classmate and I was always proud to say so. All my memories of Frank are positive and I recall him as upbeat, happy, steady and friendly. I always knew if Frank was on my left or right I could count on him 100%. I well recall many happy times in training, on athletic fields and in class with a stalwart brother. Well done Frank, be thou at peace.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
MICHAEL F HULLIHAN
left a message on July 21, 2021:
As another second regiment guy, was surprised and saddened at news of Frank's passing. We somehow got put in a lot of the same academic sections in technical courses. He clearly had the knack. I was challenged and had to ask him for help. He was always there. Should have told him how much he helped me at the time, but I never got around to it. I'll let him know in my prayers. Classmate, patient academic coach, great officer, friend.
Butch Watson
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Frank was my West Point classmate. We shared the same experiences at the Academy and a special brotherhood that all of his classmates know. I also mourn his loss. My prayers for his family and friends.
Mark P Vellella
left a message on July 16, 2021:
In memory of Frank Paul Vellella Jr., Mark P Vellella lit a candle
Mark P Vellella
left a message on July 16, 2021:
Unfortunately I only met Frank when I was eleven, As a cousin I really wish things had been different. He was a great young man. Having lost a spouse of 30 plus years, a little over a year ago, Kathy stay tuff. If you need to talk, contact me.
Paul
left a message on July 14, 2021:
May you rest in peace.
Joseph Sullivan
left a message on July 13, 2021:
Frank was our Brother in the West Point Class of 1977. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Wayne Hoy
left a message on July 13, 2021:
To my USMA 77 classmate. Well Done... Be thou at peace. Esprit de Corps.
Cheryl Haley Hollister
left a message on July 2, 2021:
One of my fondest memories was a family trip to West Point just before my Aunt married Frank. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to my Aunt and cousin.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.