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GREENWICH, Conn. - John "Zeke" Bella, Jr. of Greenwich died Nov. 17. He was 83.
Bella was born Aug. 23, 1930, in Greenwich, to John Bella, Sr. and Ann Belicka. He attended Greenwich High School and graduated in 1946. At Greenwich High, he played varsity baseball and varsity basketball. He attended a military academy for a year before moving on to semi-pro baseball. He signed with the Yankees in 1951 and played in the team's farm system for several years. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954 during the Korean War, he returned to baseball in 1955. He retired from baseball at the end of the 1959. He joined the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1985 and umpired junior and senior Babe Ruth and High School baseball games. He worked part-time for Toyota of Greenwich.
Bella is survived by his children, Kathryn Bella-Korman (David) of Riverside, Diane Bella of Leverett, Mass., Mary Bella-Glasscock (Michael) of Irving, Texas; five grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Lorraine "Corky" Bella; son, James Joseph Bella; and brother, Roger Bella.
Calling hours are Friday, Nov. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Castiglione Funeral Home, Inc. 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich, CT. 06830. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 286 Delavan Ave., Greenwich. The Entombment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 89 Maple Ave., Greenwich, CT 06830 or Greenwich Jr. Babe Ruth League, 23-2 Fairfield Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.
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