Decorated World War II Veteran
Peter T. Carella, 86 of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Tuesday June 21, 2011 at Hospice of Buffalo in Cheektowaga, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Abramo and Genevieve (Colona) Carella.

Peter was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He later served in the United States Army (3rd Army) from January 18, 1944 until his honorable discharge on March 21, 1946. He was involved in the campaigns at Rhineland, Rome Arno and Southern France during World War II, and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for action in the Rhineland, a European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze service stars, a French Fourragere, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with rifle Bar, Good Conduct Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button for World War II and a World War II Victory Medal.

Peter married Rose A. (Maglio) Carella on November 9, 1946 in Niagara Falls, NY. For a short time, he worked as an appliance repairman for Sears and Roebuck, a skill he had learned following his discharge from the Army. Afterwards, he became an insurance agent with Prudential Insurance Co. and went on to own and operate his own agency, Peter T. Carella Insurance Agency in Niagara Falls. During that time, Peter also worked as a tax preparer. He was a former member of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (I.S.D.A.) and the Sertoma Club both of Niagara Falls. In his leisure time he enjoyed wood working and loved watching football.

In addition to his wife of sixty four years, Mr. Carella is survived by four children, Renée (John) Hesson of Riverside, CA; Judy (David) Martin, Paul (Kim) Carella and Peter (Diane) Carella all of Niagara Falls, NY and was predeceased by one son Phillip Carella. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Chance) Boren, Rhonda (Ken) Martin Alper, Tiffany (Mike) Walsh, Shauna'h (Brad) Fuegen, Christina (Joel) Tucker, Paul Carella Jr., Matthew Carella and Nicole Carella, ten great- grandchildren, one brother Anthony (Lorraine) Carella of Youngstown, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by one grandson, Eddie Hesson and two brothers Gene Carella and John (late Anita) Carella.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will be held on Friday June 24th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Lou Perez officiating. Entombment with Military Honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Buffalo Foundation, 225 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga, NY 14227-1480.