Roy Frances Cella

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Roy Francis Cella "Pearl Harbor Survivor"

Roy Francis Cella passed away peacefully on May 14, 2010, and returned home to his Heavenly Father.

He was born on July 5, 1920 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to John Andrew and Magdalene Pick Cella. He was left motherless at her passing when just four years old. Roy was raised by Mary and Paul Hamilton in Burlingame, CA.

He joined the Navy at age 17 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, on the USS Sumner. As an enlisted man, he was one of only three who became commissioned officers in the Navy. He was captain of three ships during his service, including the Nahant and the Gillis.

He married Helen Eline Collins on May 21, 1944, and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married 64 years at the time of her passing. Roy worked in construction as an estimator and project manager for LDS chapels as well as retiring from the Naval Reserves.

Roy is most proud of the legacy he leaves of five children and 18 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren, and for their devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He exemplified traits common among the Greatest Generation, such as hard work, commitment, patriotism, and integrity. Roy enjoyed researching family history, genealogy, and volunteered many hours at Hill Air Force Base pharmacy and the American Red Cross.

He is preceded in death by his wife Helen, and daughter Joy. He is survived by four children; daughter Bonnie (Bruce) Knowlton; sons Ronn (Judy), Bob (Marie), and Glen (Mary Jane).

Funeral services will be held on the 66th anniversary of his marriage to Helen, Friday, May 21, 2010 at 11:00 am at Lindquist''s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. where a viewing will be held on Thursday, May 20th from 6:00 a€" 8:00 pm and 9:30 a€" 10:30 am prior to services Friday. He will be buried with full military honors at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park.