Schuylkill County Obituaries for 06/11/18

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 06/11/18

Mark Anthony Fanelli, aka Papa and Popi, 61, a resident of Fountain Springs, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon at home surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Shenandoah, December 15, 1956, he was the son of Mary Monahan Fanelli and the late John V. “Jack” Fanelli of Shenandoah. 

He was a 1974 graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan Jr./Sr. High School and a 1976 graduate of Pennsylvania State University (Wilkes-Barre Campus), with an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering technology and completed courses at The Wharton School of Business. He married his high school sweetheart, Amy, in 1981. 

Mark worked in his family garage business before graduating from Penn State. He then followed his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and starting his first business, American Computer Associates, in 1992; and then a second business, Schuyl Inc., in 2001. 

Mark has been a member of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce since 1993. He became a member of the board of Directors in 2000. He is a current member of the Board of Directors of the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation serving as president from 2012-2013. Mark then served as president of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce from 2013-2014. He was a strong advocate for the YEA program (Young Entrepreneurs Academy) and was a member of the initial interviewing committee. Mark was instrumental in technology advancements with the Chamber. He was awarded the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce “Entrepreneur of the Year” award in 2004. 

Mark serves as a member on the Penn State, Wilkes-Barre Campus Advisory Board. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Joseph’s Center for Special Learning. The St. Joseph’s Center held a very special place in his heart. Mark is currently President of The Friends of St. Vincent DePaul Society of Upper Schuylkill County and served on the board at Mid Penn Bank. 

Mark served as president of the Athletic Club for many years at the former Cardinal Brennan Jr./Sr. High School. He was awarded “The Distinguished Alumnus” Award in 2004.

He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland. Mark was an avid Penn State fan and enjoyed going to the games and tailgating with friends. He also enjoyed New York City, and visited frequently. He and his wife Amy loved traveling together, and loved entertaining their friends and family in their home. 

Mark was a genuinely loving and caring person who touched the lives of many. He was passionate about his work and loved by all his employees. Family always came first with Mark and he loved being a “Papa” to his three grandsons. 

Surviving are his wife of 37 years, the former Amy Madden; two sons, Colin J. Fanelli and his wife Jessica, Frackville; and Anthony L. Fanelli and his wife Colleen, Ashland; one daughter, Natalie A. Fanelli, Brooklyn NY. Three grandsons, Christian Fanelli, Frackville; and Geno and Nico Fanelli, Ashland. A brother, John S. Fanelli and his wife Diana, Parkersburg, WV; two sisters, Mary Jude Zarkoski and her husband Dave, Spring City, PA; and Mimi Null and her husband Kraig, Wynnewood, PA; five nieces and eight nephews, cousins, and friends. Also surviving are his in-laws, Larry and Janet Madden, Ashland; and brothers-in-law, Thad Madden and family, Ashland; and Larry Madden and family, Wooster, OH.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland with Rev. Paul Rothermel, pastor and Rev. Robert Finlan. Friends may call at the church on Friday evening from 5-8 PM, and 10-11 AM Saturday morning.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in, Mark’s name, to St. Joseph’s Center for Special Learning at 2075 W. Norwegian Street Pottsville, PA 17901.

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville, Timothy M. Sullivan, supervisor is in charge of the arrangements

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Anna C. Lex, 97, Ringtown, passed away Saturday morning, June 9th, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill, East Norwegian St., Pottsville. Born in Pheeneyville, June 18, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Margaret Frye Deebel. She was a graduate of the former Shepton High School, class of 1938. Anna was well known throughout the Ringtown Valley for her talent as a church organist, playing at all the area churches in her career. For the last 17 years, she was the church organist for St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ringtown, and Brandonville. She was employed as a Marrow Machine Operator for the former Connie Fashions Company, Shenandoah, until her retirement.

Anna was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ringtown, where she was active in the Dorcas Class, Bible Class, and the Ladies Aide.

She was a member of the Ringtown Senior Citizens, International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and she loved farm animals as well as growing her garden.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Charles Lex, passing in 1999, a daughter, Jane Shoup, a grandson, David Shoup, also, brothers, Harry, Russell, Henry, and Allen.

Survivors:
Son: John Lex and his wife Joan, Bowie, MD
Son: Lamar Lex and his wife Karen, Ringtown
Son: Charles Lex and his wife Kay, Ringtown
Son: Robert Lex and his wife Estelle, Aristes
16 Grandchildren, 28 Great Grandchildren, 5 Great Great Grandchildren
Nieces and nephews

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service, Thursday, June 14th, at 10:30 AM in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 106 W. Main St., Ringtown. Officiating will be Rev. Jay Serafin, pastor. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A viewing will be held in the church Wednesday evening,  6 PM to 8 PM, and Thursday morning, 9 AM until service. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 106 W. Main St., Ringtown, PA., 17967.

The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.

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