George Joseph Vellella, age 84 of Shawano, WI, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2015 at the Shawano Medical Center while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 4, 1931 in Cleveland, OH, the son of the late George and Vicenza "Jennie" (Asta) Vellella. George was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who served as a wonderful role model and support to his six boys. Anyone who has ever met George remembers his boisterous, welcoming voice and his even bigger smile - a real gentle giant. He enjoyed reading, fishing, Packer football, playing cards and spending time with his family. As a retired Captain in the US Naval reserves he rarely missed the annual Army/Navy football game to renew an ongoing rivalry with his brother Frank - a retired Colonel in the US Army. As the Marinette city engineer, George combined engineering skills with a passion for fishing, designing the fish-walk which now crosses the Menominee River in Marinette, WI. George was preceded in death by Ann, his loving wife of 55 years, infant son Jon and brother, Frank. George is survived by: his six sons, George (Susan) Vellella, Jr. of Edgerton, Steven Vellella of Neenah, Mark (Ann) Vellella of Bath, ME, Robert (Carrie) Vellella of Woodbury, MN, Christopher (Gail) Vellella of Tamms, IL and Paul (Christie) Vellella of Normal, IL; nine grandchildren, Trent (Grace), George (Theresa), Tara, Matt, Joe, Paul, Christian, Quentin, Alyssa (Sunny) and seven great-grandchildren Brandon, Lily, Lainey, Jimmy, Julia, Sidney and Gabi. There will be a memorial service planned for this summer. Once determined, the date and time of the memorial service may be found at www.swedbergfuneralhome.com as well as in the Swedberg Funeral Home service box in the Shawano Leader.