Joseph Churella

Friday, September 9, 2011
Joseph Churella

Joseph J. Churella: Jan. 25, 1942 ­ Sept. 5, 2011 Joe was born in 1942 and grew up in a small Pennsylvania mining town with three sisters. After graduating from high school, Joe and some buddies decide to join the military. Joe signed up for the Air Force and right after basic training he shipped out to Great Britain. At RAF Brampton he met a lovely Welsh girl, Patricia. A short time later the two were married.

Joe and Pat became proud parents. Together they were stationed in Okinawa with their two boys, Michael and Joseph. On the island of Okinawa, Joe became an avid scuba diver. For four years he enjoyed spending time at the beach with his wife and sons. For many years, Joe and his family traveled the world for the Air Force. In the '70s, Joe and Pat had a third boy, Craig.

He retired at Mountain Home Air Force Base in 1987. Joe spent his retirement gardening and turning his five acres of high desert into an oasis of life. For another 25 years he planted trees, flowers, bushes and vegetables. Joe was a hard worker and enjoyed all the wildlife that made their homes on his property. Most of all, Joe enjoyed visits and activities with his three sons.

Joe lived for his sons, they were everything to him, and his wife and sons love him very much. He will be forever missed and remembered.

Joseph Churella passed away at home on Sept. 5, 2011, while enjoying his backyard. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia, his sons, Michael, Joseph Jr. and Craig, and two beautiful grandchildren, Alison and Nash.

Private graveside services were held at Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise on Friday, Sept. 9. Arrangements were under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.