Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2009 » 26 DEC 09 - FUNERAL LATE CARMEL VELLA

With just two days away for the world to celebrate the joy of the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Xaghra was struck with a sad note with the news of the passing away of Carmel Vella on 23 December 2009. Carmel was well known within the community for his long service as a bandsman playing the Sax Alto with the Victory Band besides being an active member sitting for many years on the Club committee. He dedicated a lot of his time working for the betterment of the Society. Struck down by illness, Carmel was never deterred from going on with his work for the Club which he took upon himself as a sacrosanct duty. When because of ill health he had to put aside the musical instrument he was there with other members of the committee in front of the band during the rendering of services. His amiable character was something which would grip those meeting him the first time. And he was a friend not only to the locals but also to the many expatriates who chose to take up residence in Xaghra. He was always available to lend a hand to whoever asked for it. Yet in so doing, Carmel never lost sight of his family to whom he dedicated his life to the full. He was an exemplary husband and father and a religious man. That he loved and was loved was evident during his funeral on Saturday 26 December when the Basilica in Xaghra was packed by mourners who turned up topay Carmel their last respects. We pray God to grant him the eternal rest he richly deserves and to his widowed Klara and his children Carmel and Catherine and her husband Alan the strength to come to terms with their great loss.

A1 Victory Band Club in mourning
A2 Victory Band precedes the coffin
A3 Carmel's last voyage along 8 Sept Ave
A4 Members of the Nativitas Choir
A5 Directors of the Band
A6 The Band's standard draped in mourning
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B4 A family mourns a husband, a father,and grandfather
B5 Carmel's remains arrive in Victory Square
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B9 Carmel's Saxophone now silent
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