Robert Joseph

Bella

Robert J. Bella of Cliffside Park passed away peacefully on August 13th. He was 86 years old. Robert was born in West New York to Robert and Alice Bella. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, as Signalman, Third Class on the USS Maumee (AO 02) where he earned the American Theater Medal, Victory Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Medal. Robert is survived by his wife Rose (Distefano), his daughters Karen Bella, Allyson Bella-Dodds and her husband John, and Leslie Bella-Henry and her husband David. He was the proud father of his late daughter Robin Metro who is survived by her husband Frank. Robert is also survived by his sisters Dorothy Howe and Lillian Mallon and his grandchildren, Jenny Bella and her husband Tom, Justin Dodds, Bella Dodds, Sebastian Sheperd, Kaitlyn Metro and his great-grandchildren Dylan and Lily Comerford, and Meadow Sheperd. Robert will also be missed by his many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family invites you to celebrate Robert's life at mass at the Church of the Epiphany, 247 Knox Avenue, Cliffside Park at 10am on Friday, August 17th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert's memory to Boys Town (boystown.org) or the charity of your choice.