John Joseph Carella, 84, of West Hartford, departed this life on Monday, December 11, 2023. John was born on October 31, 1939, son of the late Joseph and Adele Carella. After graduating from Hall High School in West Hartford, he continued his education at Norwich University (Military Academy) in Northfield, VT and received a Bachelor of Science Degree with honors in Business Administration. John was Treasurer of Alpha Kappa Psi – a professional business fraternity, a member of Theta Chi – a social fraternity, Business Manager of the university newspaper, and a member of the golf team. John went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Business Administration, with a heavy concentration in Economics, at the University of California (Berkeley).

After finishing school, John joined the U.S. Army and for two years was assigned to the 64th Armor Regiment in Kitzinger, Germany. His duties included Tank Platoon Leader, Tank Company Executive Officer and Battalion Transportation Officer.

John spent many years living in New York City, which he loved. He eventually realized he did not feel fulfilled working for large corporations and instead spent some time in real estate and eventually in the restaurant business. West Hartford ultimately became his home again when he helped to take care of his parents.

John leaves behind his family, including his sister and best friend, Alyce Carella; his niece, Laura Rugar and husband Gene Trumbull; his nephews, Mark Signor and wife Kim, Jay Signor and wife Jean; his great-nieces, Gemma, Natalie, Julia, Cory and Jolie; his great-nephews, Dalton, Tyler and Jack; and his great-great-nephews, Walker and Weston.

We will miss his great sense of humor, his love of family and traditions, and his teaching us how to ski and to play golf, which were his passions.

There will be a calling hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, West Hartford. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com