Obituary: Col. John R. Estrella, 85, RI Army National Guard Ret.

Colonel John R. Estrella, RI Army National Guard retired, age 85 of Bristol, died Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the RI Veterans Home, Bristol, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Alice A. (Brunjes) Estrella his wife of 59 years. Born in Bristol and a lifelong resident, he was a son of the late Antonio and Catherine (Brum) Estrella. John served in the US Army as a Sergeant during the Korean War he continued his service in the RI Army National Guard and after 35 years, retired at the rank of Colonel.

During his 35 year career he received numerous awards including, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

John was a 1947 graduate of Colt Memorial High School, and received his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Bryant College. He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth’s Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, David and wife Karen, three grandchildren, David A. Estrella, Kerri Estrella, Michael Asciola, one great grandchild Brady Asciola, and four sisters, Connie Palumbo, Alice Kulpa, Elsie Calce and Kathryn Ebbit. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Manuel and Anthony and a sister, Mary Catalano.

Funeral services from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 10:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol. Burial with Military Honors will follow in North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol. Visitation will be Wednesday morning starting at 8:45 AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rhode Island Veterans Home – Patients Activities Fund, 480 Metacom Avneue, Bristol, RI 02809. For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go towww.sansonefuneralhome.com