Submitted by: Dan Rich

Julius Bella

July 3, 1917 - March 24, 2006

South Bend Tribune 3/26/2006

Julius Bella, 88, of Climbing Rose Lane, Mishawaka, departed after receiving tender farewells from his loving family at the Hospice House of St. Joseph County. Julius was born in South Bend on July 3, 1917, to Veronica and John Bella Sr. Julius graduated from Tyner High School in 1936. Throughout his life he cherished his contributions to Tyner's basketball legacy. He served his country well in the United States Army during World War II. In 1982 he retired from the South Bend Community School Corporation Operational Staff after 13 years of service. Julius was the third generation of his family to be employed by the Studebaker Corporation where he worked for 27 years until the company's closing in 1963.

On March 27, 1942, he married Irma Teichman, forming a bond that endured even after her death on March 18, 1996. Their three children were the focus of their lives, as were their children's spouses and grandchildren. Living on in testimony of their love and devotion to family are their two daughters, Kathy (R. Scott) Liggett and Susan Bella-Howland, both of Mishawaka; and a son, James J. (Janice) Bella of North Liberty; four grandchildren, Jeffery (Marsha) Bella, Tessie (Dan) Pollock, Wes Liggett and Todd Howland; four great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Haley, Dominic and Addison. Also surviving are his loving sister, Regina Hafron, and ever-devoted brother, Arthur Bella of South Bend.

Julius was a gifted gardener whose harvests delighted family and friends. He always enjoyed a good joke, a good meal, and a lively political discussion. Even after age 80, Julius found new adventures in life. With his family he made numerous trips, including three to Europe. While in Hungary, he discovered and rekindled family ties in the towns of Sopron, Csapod and Nagylozs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2006, in Holy Family Catholic Church. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today, March 26, 2006, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend. A Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Sumption Prairie, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Church, where he had been a member for over 50 years.