Obituary of Edward L. Stella

Stella; Edward Lawrence Went home to be with the Lord on August 28, 2014, age 97years and lifelong resident of Berlin, NJ. Ed was the owner of Stella Farms, carrying on his family's farming legacy which began in 1921, and a icon in the farming community. He provided exceptional produce always with a generous attitude, and his love of people and nature endeared him to everyone. Ed was born March 12, 1917, in the farm house of Rose and Joseph Stella, with the help of a midwife. At an early age he left school and dedicated his life to help support the family. As an adult, at night he worked at Standard Press Steel designing parts for the war effort and worked on the farm during the day. His love for farming became his calling, to provide the best agricultural products to his family and eventually the entire community. His commitment to nourishing and educating the public on quality produce was his legacy. Ed was dedicated to his love of farming until his very last day. In his memory, the farm will continue on through the talent and determination of his two loving and devoted children. Ed is predeceased by two sisters, Eleanor Issertell and Rita Zolotuchin, and a brother Joseph Jr.. Survived by two loving and devoted children Barbara Jean Stella Lang and her husband Ken, and Ed Jr., also a cherished granddaughter Danielle Angelina Stella, closest nieces Janice Bach, Tami Bach-Slonis ( Jamie ), Linda Hartwig ( Dutch ), a nephew Bill Hartwig, and longtime loving companion Linda Watson. A viewing will be held Wednesday, September 3, 4pm to 7pm at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 27 Kresson-Gibbsboro Road, Gibbsboro, NJ 08026, and Thursday 9:30am to 10:30am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Ed's memory may made to: Farmers Against Hunger, 1200 Florence-Columbus Road, Bordentown, NJ 08505.