Carl F. Stella

Carl F. Stella, 90, of Wildwood passed away peacefully at home on Christmas Eve surrounded by his loving family. Born in Jersey City, he moved to Wildwood in 1952 where for four decades he was a partner in several boardwalk pizza businesses and other enterprises. He and longtime friend and partner, the late Lou Belasco, also opened "Ricci's Capri", one of Wildwood's first supper clubs, in 1954. Carl was a charter member and past president of the Wildwood Lions Club and former manager of the Wildwood Lions Center. He retired as Sergeant-at-Arms of Cape May County. In the 1930's, Carl and his wife, Mae, were members of a professional jitterbug dance troupe that toured the Northeast with the big bands. He was a WWII and Korean War Air Force Veteran, Reservist and former P.O.W. Until recently, he was an avid card player, along with good buddy, the late Al Morelli, and friends. He loved his crossword puzzles and was a super ticket seller. Predeceased by his wife Mae, brother, Frank and sisters Basilia, Yolanda, Teresa and Caroline. Carl is survived by his daughter, Judy, son Rick and his beloved gradddaughters, Christine Mohr (Jay), Nicki Alessi and the apple-of-his-eye, great-granddaughter, Julia Stella Mohr. He is also survived by his dear sisters, Carmela Rose of Cliffside Park and Gloria Licameli of Long Island, favorite sister-in-law, Doris Stella of Lyndhurst, nieces, nephews and many friends. He will be sadly missed by all. Friends will be received Thursday 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 425 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst. Funeral Mass Saturday 11am at St. Ann's R.C. Church, North Wildwood. Visitation at the church 10-11am. Interment Cape May County Veterans' Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Love of Linda Cancer Fund Inc, PO Box 1053, Wildwood NJ 08260.