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Vonella, Dennis Lee - Obituary

Manteo - Dennis Lee Vonella, 58, of Manteo, NC passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008 at his residence. Mr. Vonella was born in Baltimore, MD, the son of Samuel Gordon and Geraldine Ann Vonella. He was a retired Chief Inspector for Baltimore County Public Utilities. After retirement he fulfilled his dreams by working at the Nags Head Fishing pier and for the Crystal Dawn Corporation.

Mr. Vonella was a volunteer in a number of clubs and organizations including the American Legion, Elks, and Kentucky Colonels. He was a Cub Scout leader, a Little League Baseball coach, and a past president of the St. Mary’s Church Council.

An American hero who proudly served his country in Vietnam in the U.S. Army, he received four Bronze Stars, the Air Medal with Valor Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart, Valorous Unit Emblem, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Aircraft Crewman Badge. He loved woodworking, fishing, boating and NASCAR and his dog “Harley”. His favorite pastime was making toys for children.
He never met a child that he did not like. He loved his family and friends and would help anyone who needed it, whether he knew them or not.

Mr Vonella is survived by his wife, Debbi Lynn Vonella of the residence; a son, Sergeant First Class Dominic Anthony Vonella and a daughter, Laura Faye Vonella; a brother, Samuel Vonella and wife, Allison, their children, Garret and Tyler; a sister, Christine Fronckoski and husband, Jim, their children, Amanda and Beth, a sister, Sandi Myers and children, Jenny and Katee; mother-in-law, Delores Mae Heltibridle. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Leon David Heltibridle.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s ELCA, Silver Run, MD on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 2:00 pm with a wake to follow at Roops Mill in Westminster.
There will also be a memorial service on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 1:00 pm at the Nags Head Pier House, Nags Head, NC. Ashes will be spread in the ocean from the Crystal Dawn at Pirates Cove departing at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ARPS, treasurer, James Angelini, 2512 Lower Hunters Trace, Louisville, KY 40216.

Twiford Colony Chapel, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements.

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© 2008 NE NC News.