East Chatham— John A. DeBella, age 58, died Friday at Colombia Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer (LMS).

John is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Debra, his two children Christopher and Angela and his mother, Genevieve. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Brianna and Alyssa. He was predeceased by his sister Peggy Quinn.

John was a brave and loyal soldier serving in the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea as well as Germany and was discharged with full honors in 1983. John was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying nature with a passion for hunting and fishing. Many of his fondest hunting excursions were shared with his life long friend Tom Bell, of Canaan. Manager of the local grocery store for many years, John was well known in the community, greeting most customers by name with a friendly face and always willing to lend a hand. John married his loving wife Debra (Felpel) of Ghent in August of 1998. The two of them shared a love for animals, fostering and finding homes for a variety of unwanted pets over the years. Gone but not forgotten, the memory of John DeBella will live on in our hearts. In regards to services, the Debella family is putting together a celebration of life to be scheduled for early summer of 2017.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-FarberCancer Institute in memory of John A. DeBella to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift . To convey condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com