FRANKFORT-Chief Machinist Mate Anthony "Tony" Rella, 88, of Reese Road, retired United States Navy- Pearl Harbor survivor, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 25, 2007. Tony's passing ended a courageous battle with cancer occurring in the home that he had built on his very own. Tony was born on July 8, 1919 in Utica, son of the late Vincent and Maria (Perritano) Rella and educated in Oriskany. He attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering. On December 2, 1944, he was joined in marriage with the former Margaret Durse in St. Mary's Church, Frankfort with Father Hogan officiating. Throughout their 62-year union, the couple provided each other with support, strength, commitment and respect. Tony was last employed with Griffiss Air force Base, Rome as a firefighter, retiring at age 57. On March 1, 1939, Tony enlisted with the US Navy and was honorably discharged on November 8, 1945 holding the rank of Chief Machinist Mate. Tony was the recipient of the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with 8 Stars and the Good Conduct and served on the USNTS, Newport, Rhode Island, USS Neosho, USS Waller, SCTC Terminal Is., San Pedro and the USS Presidis. He was a proud Pearl Harbor survivor and served with great loyalty, courage and honor. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Tony was a member of the ship's crew aboard USS NEOSHO (AO-23) moored on "Battleship's Row", Ford's Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. That morning Captain Phillips and her valiant crew navigated NEOSHO (pronounced "nee-OH-sho") toward safer waters through exploding bombs and the slaughter that was that awful day. NEOSHO was totally undamaged; avoiding great peril as her crew expertly sailed past many heavily shattered and sinking ships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Many acts of unrecognized heroism certainly happened on that day, and just as certain Tony was heavily involved with his responsibility to bring his ship through it all. Tony was immensely proud of his service to his God, his Country, and his Navy. His active membership and participation with the Central New York Pearl Harbor Survivors Association was a strong aspect of personal pride. Tony did his job with professionalism, whatever had to be done to maintain his equipment and keep that equipment in top operational condition. Any ship would be dead in the water in relatively short order without the work of guys like Tony. His Navy pride was also reflected in his associations and many ties in the community of Frankfort and also the entire Mohawk Valley. His foremost and all important concern was for the United States of America. He made an immeasurable contribution to the betterment of the United States Veterans. He loved his work, and he loved the many opportunities that it provided to help others to have a significant and meaningful difference in their lives. He derived great enjoyment and pride from both the professional bonds and the personal camaraderie which existed among his fellow veterans. Also, his greatest pride was in earning the respect of his community and the brotherhood of veterans, men and women, whom he thought of his extended family. Tony's military service was then and is now worthy of several significant combat awards that somehow went unwritten, never to be presented during his lifetime. A man of faith, Tony had a passion for life and a deep love for those who shared it with him. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His charismatic presence and his sparkling personality could light up a room; his heart and character made him a valued friend. He established countless relationships that had great meaning and value both to Tony and those he befriended. When his illness was diagnosed, Tony brought his personal life the same "fight", courage and determination that inspired his own life, thus earning for himself even greater respect and admiration from all those who knew him. Throughout it all, he never complained or lost his positive outlook on life. Tony was a communicant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort. A man of great community spirit, he contributed his time, his energy and his talent to many organizations and charitable groups: he was a longtime member of the St. Francis Society, Frankfort, currently serving as Sergeant at Arms, Pearl Harbors Survivors Association, former member of the Ilion Knights of Columbus, Frankfort V.F.W. Post #502, Frankfort American Legion Post #845, Pearl Harbor History Association, Ilion Fish and Game Club and the Disabled American Veterans. He will be deeply missed by his loving family; his wife: Margaret at home; his children: Elizabeth Fiato of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Anthony "Bud" Rella and wife Lori of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, Ann Klegin and husband Randy of Flemington, Missouri, Cindy Harris and husband Ron of Prior Lake, Minnesota; a brother: Dominick Rella of Miramar, Florida; his cherished grandchildren: Elizabeth, Alexandria, Rocco Fiato, Anthony and Mary Rella, Todd "T.J" Nix, Cristin Klegin, Michael and Joseph Harris; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Also surviving are in laws: Antoinette and Louis Pawlinga of Middleville, Madeline Rella of Florida, Pearl Rusteberg of St. Louis, Mo. And Frances "Chick" Irons of Fort Meyers, Florida. He was preceded in death by a brother: Edward Rella on December 22, 2006 and his step-brother Joseph Bertuca. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, (between Frankfort and Ilion), 894-8000, from 4-8 p.m on Monday, October 29, 2007. Mr. Rella's funeral will commence at 9:15 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 from the chapel of the funeral home where a prayer service will be held and at 10 am in Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church, Frankfort, where the Rev. John Yanas Jr., will celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial. Funeral procession will follow to Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery , 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, where he will be laid to rest and full military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy. In lieu of floral offerings, kindly consider remembering Mr. Rella with a contribution to the St. Francis Society in Frankfort, also affectionately known to Tony and fellow members as "the club". The Rella family would like to thank the many friends and relatives for their outpouring of support during Tony's illness. Also, a special thank you to Father John Yanas for his spiritual guidance. The following fine organizations will conduct services at the funeral home on Monday: Pearl Harbor Survivors at 4:45 p.m., American Legion Post #845 at 5:15 p.m., VFW Post #502 at 6:15 p.m., and the St. Francis Society at 7:00 p.m.