John James Gardella, Jr.John James Gardella Jr. passed away peacefully at the Southern Utah Veterans Home on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the age of 85. He was born on June 2, 1932, to Pasquale John Gardella and Lena Della Bartolemea.John graduated high school from P. S. 64 in Flushing, New York. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. Where he was stationed in Korea. While there he flew in the required 50 missions over North Korea. He was a proud member of the 13th Bomber Squadron. Also known as the Devil's Own Grim Reaper. Having the good fortune of surviving many close calls, including one case where 8 feet of a wing was shot off. After the Air Force, he met and married the love of his life Patricia Ann Stubbs. They were married on July 5, 1953. They were married for 22 years before Patricia passed away. They lived on Long Island raising two children.John always worked in the food industry. His first job as a food broker was with Seggerman - Nixon where he worked for 30 years before retiring. Retirement did not sit well with him very long. He then went to the job that he loved the most. He worked for Ferrara Foods, an importer of Italian specialty foods. John traveled the U. S. making many friends in the business. For those that were his friends, they became lifelong ones. John was like a mighty oak tree to them. He was always there. An immovable object. When needed, he provided the protection from the storm that was necessary. He had a broad root system that was deep and well grounded. It provided much life for him and others he brought along the journey.Upon leaving Ferrara's, John moved to Brookside, UT. There he lived a quiet private life, enjoying his family, friends, dogs and nature. He is survived by his two sons. John (the late Teresa) of Santa Clara and William (Jil) of Central. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Gina, Liana and Kylah. He is preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild.The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors at Southwest Cardiology for helping him cheat death on more than one occasion. Adding many years and quality onto his life. We would also thank the staff at Southern Utah Veterans home for their great and loving care.Interment will take place at the Santa Clara City Cemetery under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary.Friends may sign John's online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.