Carmen J. Stella, 75, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, December 10, 2012.

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 18, 1937. He was the son of the the late Gaetano and Anna Stella. Carmen was a beloved husband of Barbara, father of Barbara Ann, John and Ann-Marie. Father-in-law to Brian Snelson and loving grandfather to Gina, Carley & Thomas Snelson. Also survived by brother John, Uncle Charles and Aunt Shirley Pastorella, Aunt Maria Stella and numerous cousins.

Carmen and his wife Barbara of 53 years recently enjoyed a limo excursion with their family that highlighted locations that housed important memories from their past including Sacred Heart Church where they were married and Mosley's on the Charles where they first met and shared their love of dance. The two often enjoyed trips to seaside resorts together. They were always happiest together by the ocean.

Carmen graduated from Christopher Columbus Catholic High School in the North End of Boston, Class of 1955. He was a member of both the basketball and football teams. He was a proud alumni of Boston College Class of 1966 graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.

He was deeply honored to be a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served during the Cuban missile crisis and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was always seen representing his country wearing one of his many veterans hats.

Carmen was an employee of the Bank of Boston after graduating from high school. He was a member of the RCA team that contributed to the Apollo Lunar Module Program. He was also part of the technology development group at Raytheon which contributed to the technological infrastructure and functioning of Disney World. Carmen worked on international defense system contracts for Honeywell, Raytheon and Textron. Because of his expertise in negotiating, Carmen was often entrusted with the responsibility of managing large contracts both nationally and internationally. As an entrepreneur he established a consulting firm which specialized in assisting small businesses succeed and thrive.

He also served as a proud and active member of the Bedford community, including the. Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, local politics and conservation committee.

A lifetime avid sports fan of all Boston's professional teams, as well as his alma mater Boston College, his love for sports went well beyond watching from the sidelines. Carmen coached little league for his son, John and in recent years, mentored his grandchildren in their sporting events including softball, baseball, and basketball. Carmen was not only a coach on the sidelines, but was always their biggest fan, cheering loudly from the stands. In recent years, Carmen has been a star contributor in the senior men's bowling league of Norwood. His skills and team spirit will be greatly missed.

His hobbies included tending to his vegetable garden, completing crossword puzzles, and cooking large Italian meals for his family. Carmen enjoyed baking traditional Italian cookies with his family. One of Carmen's favorites pastimes was story telling. Whether you were a stranger he met on vacation or a close family member you were sure to have heard a few entertaining tales from him.

Carmen Stella was known for many things but he will be remembered most for his love of family, value of tradition, and strong commitment to his faith.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 14, at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Road, Bedford from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.
A celebration of Carmen's life will be held on Saturday, December 15th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Church. Final viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the Bedford Funeral home followed by a procession to the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St., 2nd Floor, Framingham, MA 01701.