David Bella

David John Bella, beloved husband of Dessie Bella, wonderful father of Annelise Bella, and kind and supportive stepfather of Matthew, Donnie and Jonathan Malarcher, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 9:15 PM with Dessie by his side. David, a native resident of Baton Rouge, was born on January 14, 1959. He was educated at St. Thomas More grammar school, attended Catholic High and was a Broadmoor High graduate, Class of '77. David graduated from LSU in Construction Engineering and served as the charter member and first president of the Student Association of General Contractors at LSU. David was able to work with several prominent engineering and construction companies throughout his long and successful career such as Red Stick, Barnard and Burke, PSI, CDI, Jacobs, URS, and his current employer Faithful-Gould Engineering.

David's time here was filled with his perpetual effort to be the best he could be. For Dessie, David was the best husband, for Annelise, David was the best father. David gave his all in every event and activity, whether it was sports, hunting, collecting, renovating, gardening, cooking or just talking. His brother Tim indicated that David did everything with "Gusto". David's projects most often involved cars, including restoring, repairing and driving. His most recent car passion, however, was his 2016 Corvette Z06. David and Dessie would drive this car along rural Louisiana roads and escape from the liver cancer diagnosis David received prior to the purchase.

Along with having gusto for his recreational passions, David most importantly had passion for his faith and community. David and Dessie are members of Mercy Parish, where they participated in Perpetual Adoration. Being a Man of Manresa was a prideful commitment of David's. He looked forward to his annual retreat, which he did for the last 17+ years with his Group 8 members. Knights of Columbus was another organization David supported. He achieved the status of 4th Degree Knight. David also assisted Dessie with her passionate commitment to Sr. Dulce ministries, helping whenever called upon, including adopting Sister's pug's pug Rosie. David will be missed by us all, but we are comforted knowing he is now pain free and experiencing the ultimate peace and love.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. V.P. (Pat) Bella and Harriet Orkis Bella. He is survived by his wife, Dessie Falcon Bella, daughter, Annelise Falcon Bella, his stepsons Matthew James Malarcher, Donald Godbery Malarcher, III, and Jonathan Joseph Malarcher, and their children. He is also survived by his siblings, Patrick Bella (Chris), Donna Bella Pfefferle (Rene), Dr. Timothy Bella (Minnie), Dixie Bella Szafranski (Brian), and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA on Tuesday, May 8th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and then continue at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 445 Marquette Ave., on Wednesday from 9:00 am until the funeral service at 10:00 am. Pallbearers include his brothers Patrick and Tim Bella; his nephews Jacob and Luke Bella, and Kirk and Kyle Pfefferle; brothers-in-law Rene Pfefferle and Claytus Falcon; and his stepson Matthew serving as an Honorary Pallbearer. Burial will immediately follow at Resthaven Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David's name to Manresa Retreat House, 5858 LA 44, Convent, LA 70723, The Sister Dulce Foundation, 17560 George O'Neal Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70817, or a charity close to your heart.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
5:00 pm-8:00 pm

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
445 Marquette Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA  70806
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
9:00 am-10:00 am

Service

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
445 Marquette Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA  70806
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
10:00 am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816