DOLGEVILLE/ILION-Mr. Anthony J. "Tony" Vella, 82, of West Rand Street, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, January 15, 2011 at the Teresian House in Albany, New York and a piece of the newspaper business also died with him. Anthony was born in Brooklyn on February 13, 1928, the son of Cristofero and Ida (Fornieri) Vella. After his mother's death when he was thirteen, Anthony moved to Dolgeville, NY with his father and brother, Angelo. Despite being a Brooklyn boy at heart, Anthony always treasured the years he spent in Dolgeville and the kindness shown when his father became ill during his high school years. He graduated from Dolgeville High School in 1946, and served honorably in the United States Army from April, 1946 to October, 1947. His father died while he was in the Army but with support from the GI Bill, his brother and sister-in-law Angelo and Helen Vella, and his future wife Angela, he attended and graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University. Anthony had a long career in the newspaper business, retiring as managing editor of the Utica Observer Dispatch in 1992 after many years of dedicated service. As a reporter, he played a key role in the newspaper's receiving the 1959 Pulitzer Prize for public service. He was a mentor to many and respected by all of his colleagues in the news business. Tony was a man whose commitment to his colleagues was perfectly woven into his dedication to this profession. He was a longtime member of the Herkimer Elk's Lodge. On September 26, 1953, Anthony married Angela (Risi) and together they celebrated 57 years of marriage. He was a proud, involved, generous, and loving father to his daughters Lynne Vella and Margaret Vella, both of Albany, New York. Anthony loved his family, newspapers, history, politics, the Giants, the Yankees and hot summer days. He also enjoyed sharing an extensive knowledge of old music, and the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzle with his brother and best friend Angelo. He will be greatly missed by his loving family; his wife Angela; daughters Lynne and Margaret both of Albany; in-laws: Lawrence and Janet Risi, Arnold and Maryann Millar, and Richard and Loretta Risi; and a host of wonderful nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces. Anthony also leaves lifelong and cherished friends: John and Phil Viscosi; his Fornieri cousins; and members of the extended Surace family who counted him as one of their own. He was predeceased and will be reunited with his parents and many members of the Fornieri family; his in-laws: Americo and Margaret Risi; brother and sister-in-law, Angelo and Helen Vella; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Fiore and Victoria Ameduri. Anthony's family would like to thank the second floor staff of the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, especially Karen, who treated him with patience, humor and kindness; the Carmelite Sisters and 6B staff of the Teresian House Nursing Home in Albany, especially his favorite, caring friends: Maryann, Janice and Vicky, all of whom have been incredibly supportive of the whole family; and Pam Holmes and his former colleagues from the Utica Newspapers, who kept his spirits up with visits, cards, notes and cookies throughout his illness. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 4-7 p.m. Mr. Vella's funeral will commence at 8:45 am on Thursday, Jan. 20th from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 9:30 am from Sts. Anthonys and Joseph Church, S. Main St., Herkimer with the Rev. Thomas Lawless, pastor officiating. He will be laid to rest later in the spring in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer where military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Teresian House, 200 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12203. The Vella family is being served by funeral directors, Harry, Kevin and Daniel Enea.