Fella Cecilio died on Oct. 29 at his home in Vineyard Haven, surrounded by loved ones. He was 78.
Fella was born on Feb. 29, 1948 in Oak Bluffs. He was the loving son of Adelina Cecilio, devoted husband of Jane Cecilio and proud father of Michael and Kate.
A graduate of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, he played football before spending two years at art school in Boston. Though he loved culture and the arts, he knew a life in the city was no match for the Island he loved most.
Fella’s love for his Martha’s Vineyard community was reflected in his commitment to serving others and in his passion for food. Alongside his wife Jane, Fella started a catering company and spent his summers sharing a piece of his Island home with visitors. He became known for his “clambake” and received many “Best of the Vineyard” awards for his work as a caterer.
Despite his many successes and the admiration he earned Island-wide, Fella found his greatest satisfaction in welcoming guests from near and far, sharing local traditions, and making sure they received only the best.
In his free time, Fella was a true green thumb, happiest tending to his garden and landscaping around his home. An avid hunter, he spent the off-season in a tree stand in Chilmark, taking in the beauty of the Vineyard. He also enjoyed attending high school football games, where he was known for ringing a cowbell anytime the team made a big play.
Fella will be remembered for his hard work, his deep commitment to his community, and the love and care he showed to others. His family finds peace knowing that Fella will always be with them, as there was no place in the world he’d rather be than with his family and friends on the Island he loved.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories, celebrate Fella’s life, and honor the many ways he touched the lives of others.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Fella’s memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard and/or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.