Francis fran Fanelli

Francis C. ""Fran"" Fanelli, 84, of Wethersfield, loving husband for 49 years of Roselle (Vanturas) Fanelli, passed away Monday, (October 23, 2006) at Hartford Hospital. He was born April 15, 1922 in Hartford and was the son of the late Frank and Jennie (D'Elia) Fanelli. He was a Bulkeley High School Graduate, Class of 1940. Fran was a World War II, U.S. Navy veteran, serving aboard the USS Franklin as a tail gunner. Fran was a Hartford Firefighter for 40 years, retiring in 1986. He was an avid UCONN Women's Basketball fan. He loved all sports, especially High School Football, his long time pal, Rob would drive him to all the games. Fran also enjoyed the summers with his family and friends at Hawks Nest Beach, he was a great swimmer. Fran was a long time faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Church, Wethersfield where he was an usher and a collector. He was a devoted husband and father and will be sadly missed by his loving family and many friends. Beside his wife, Roselle, he is survived by a son, Dean F. Fanelli and his girlfriend, Sherry of Glastonbury; a daughter, Diane T. Fanelli-Sitaro and her husband, Thomas of Cromwell; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Risley of Rocky Hill, Corrine Hodge of Wethersfield and Peter and Dot Vanturas of Rocky Hill; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother and a sister, Nicholas Fanelli and Theresa Patrissi. Funeral service will be Friday at 9 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Wethersfield. The burial will be in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield with Military Honors. Calling hours are Thursday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. For on line expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com