Carmelita Winston writes:

Nazzarena and Gregory Vella have been friends of our family for over 20 years, since we were introduced to them by their son, Fr Victor. We met them on our first visit to the island of Gozo in August 1993 and since then great friendships have developed between the two families. Over this period of time we not only visited Gozo many times but also had the occasion to welcome Gregory and mem-bers of his family at our home in London.

During our initial visits, Gregory made us all so welcome. He was proud to showcase the island of Gozo and its many attributes. He was clearly a Gozitan-Maltese! He was also a very keen fisherman and swimmer. Our children, Siobhan and Kevin, became great friends of his and spending long hours on these two activities in Marsalforn.

The main highlight for Gregory during the summer season was the feast of Santa Marija. In our early visits to the island, Gregory would ensure that we attended all the activities leading to this great feast and that we were present for all of the events on the day.

Gregory was a pivotal member of the community and very well known in Victoria. He was loyal to both his faith and his family. He not only attended Mass on a daily basis but lived a life in the true spirit of the gospel.

Gregory was always delighted to hear of the many successes and achievements of his family members. In terms of interests, he loved football and was a life-long supporter of Manchester United, making every effort to watch their games at the Leone Band Club.

His son, Fr Victor, has ministered in England since his ordination in 1986. Gregory visited him on numerous occasions, including his induction as parish priest of Holy Innocents Catholic church, Orpington, Kent. During this visit he travelled to France for a day visit and, at passport control, I stated that there were two Irish and two Maltese. Gregory was very clear that he was a Gozitan-Maltese!

Gregory will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He was a committed and loving husband, proud of his sons and daughters, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gozo was Gregory’s home and adapting the words of the great Irish writer, James Joyce, I’m sure he often uttered the phrase: “When I die, Gozo will be written in my heart.”