Raritan- A lifelong resident of Raritan, Ernest Della Bella, 94, died on January 23, 2017. He was born on August 4, 1922 to the late Edvice and Pietro Della Bella.

Ernest was employed as a senior painter at Johnson and Johnson in Raritan, NJ. Dedicated to his country he served in the Army. He was a member of the Sante Moretti VFW 1748 and Raritan Moose Lodge #1965. Ernest was known to be a great cook and pastry chef. He enjoyed gardening, especially growing his own grapes in his yard to make wine. Ernest was an artist who enjoyed painting and music. He was a kind, fun and loving man who will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Ernest is survived by his sister, Mary Hliva; nieces and nephews, Judy Copt (Roger), Eileen, Anita and Charles Hliva and Louis and David Troegner; and several great-nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, January 27, 2017 at the Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ (908) 725-1887. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 28, 2017, beginning with a 10:15 AM funeral mass at St. Ann's Church, 45 Anderson Street, Raritan, NJ followed by an entombment at St. Bernard Mausoleum, Bridgewater, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or an organization of your choice.

"Forever in our Hearts"