Richard E. “Dick” Fanelli, 86, of Rocky Hill and formerly Wethersfield, beloved husband of the late Anne (Roy) Fanelli, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, his mother’s birthday. Born on March 6, 1933 in Hartford, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Rose (Ladone) Fanelli. He was a graduate of Bulkeley High School, Class of 1951 in Hartford and was on the undefeated football team his senior year. He met some of his lifelong friends during these years. He served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Along with his family, he owned and operated the Wyllys Shoppe and Liquor Store in Hartford and Interstate Package Store in Rocky Hill. It was while he was working at the Wyllys Shoppe as a teenager that he met his future wife, Anne, from rival Hartford Public High School. They were married on May 30, 1955 and enjoyed 57 years together. Dick and Anne spent many summers camping on Gardner Lake and later years vacationing in Maine. He looked forward to breakfasts with his friends. He especially enjoyed time spent with his family and reminiscing of old times past. His charisma and quick wit were second to none and always had the last words with a trademark one-liner. Dick was a loving and devoted father and grandfather who will be forever missed by his three children, Richard Fanelli, Jr. and wife Roberta, Cathy LoBello and husband Salvatore, and Denise Magaldi and husband William. Additionally, he leaves to mourn his ten adored grandchildren: Sarah Parisi and husband Felice, Benjamin Fanelli and wife Cayla, Hannah Fanelli, Eden Fanelli, Jennifer Poland and husband Tom, Christopher Fanelli and wife Meghan, Amanda LoBello, Anthony LoBello and girlfriend Haley Rice, Danny LoBello, and George Magaldi. He will be missed by his great grandchildren, Bryce and Avalyne Poland and Luca Parisi. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mafalda Fanelli and many nieces and nephews. He was sadly predeceased by his beloved son, Michael John Fanelli; his brother, Robert Fanelli and his sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Leo Gosselin. The family would like to thank Fran Dabate, who he met in Kindergarten, for her friendship over the last several years.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Parish (Corpus Christi Church), 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Burial with military honors will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Memorial donations in Dick’s name may be made to Wethersfield Dollars for Scholars (Marie Perry Scholarship), P.O. Box 290338, Wethersfield, CT 06129-0038. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.
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