Louis J. Stella
August 14, 1938 ~ July 15, 2022
Louis J. Stella, 83, of Salem, died early Friday morning, July 15, 2022 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House.
Born in Lawrence on August 14, 1938, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Caliento) Stella. He was raised and educated in Danvers and was a graduate of Holten High School, Class of 1957. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Boston University, studying music under Alfredo Fondacaro. He continued his study of music at Miami University in Ohio, where he received a master’s degree.
Louis was a gifted pianist who gave numerous concerts locally. He was especially fond of playing the Goyescas by Enrique Granados. He also gave performances of his friend and composer, Nicholas Tgettis.
He studied organ with Robert Littlefield and enjoyed a long career as a talented church musician. He served with dedication as music minister at Trinity Congregational Church in Gloucester for twenty-five years.
He also worked for many years at the Marblehead Village Store, where he made many dear friends.
Louis leaves a brother, David Stella and his wife Nancy of Natick, a niece, Arielle Kress and her husband Ryan and their children Hayden and Leila, as well as his dear friend of more than thirty-five years, Catherine Stanton of Peabody.
He was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor Stella.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 11AM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are Friday, August 5, 2022 from 4-7PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Louis’ memory may be made to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930. For directions or to share an expression of sympathy, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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I had the pleasure of working with Louis for several years at Trinity Congregational – he led the music and I got to be with the children/youth. I so enjoyed Louise’s playing of the piano and having been part of the choir for awhile also go to experience his humming….. on one note! He will be missed by so many.
My sincere condolences to Catherine Stanton and family. Our loss is great. Louis and I were student colleagues at Miami University (Ohio), both working toward the Master of Music Degree. Through the years, Louis was very faithful about staying in touch. In the 1980s, I arranged for him to play a recital of the Granados Goyescas at the Miami University Art Museum. One can never forget his kindness and his musical talent. — Dr. Jerome Stanley, Emeritus, Miami University.
Louis was one of the nicest people I had ever met, always smiling, always positive, he always had something interesting and meaningful to say. I am going to miss him so very much, I’m so glad I got to know him thru the years.
My first cousin Louis was the most brilliant musician I’ve ever known, as well as being a kind and sweet gentleman always. I was about 9 years younger and always loved music, including the classical pieces he so cherished. One day when I was in high school I was visiting his family home in Danvers and recall sitting on the floor under his baby grand piano when I heard a most memorable melody – Louis was practicing Rhapsody in Blue in all its complexities and he took time to explain certain passages to me – what a thrill! I also recall my first look thru a telescope in front of that same family home on Essex Street. Louis had spent much of the chilly evening training his lense in the direction of the planet Saturn and we got a glimpse of it twinkling up there in the cold night sky with its stunning distinctive rings – my first venture into astronomy. Thanks, Louis, thank you for being so kind and smart and talented. You were and are and always will be a shining star, a brilliant light in the vast dark void. – Chris (nee Spata) Drake