Donald A. Fanelle

On May 11, 2025, Donald A. Fanelle journeyed to be with our Lord at the age of 93. A longtime resident of Stratford, NJ, he was the beloved husband of Anna Fanelle (née Elisii) for 68 years.

He is survived by his children: Deacon John (Jean) Fanelle of Del Mar, CA; Donald (Sandra) Fanelle Jr. of Sewell, NJ; and Carmine (Erika) Fanelle of Short Hills, NJ. He was a proud grandfather to Rosemarie (Robert) Johnson, Donato Fanelle, Danielle (Jack Haller) Fanelle, Sophia Fanelle, and Lilly Fanelle, and great-grandfather to Elliott and Thomas. Donald is also survived by his siblings Mary, William, Lucille, John, and Carmella; and in-laws Nancy, Vince, Carol, and Tom. He was predeceased by his son William, brothers Chippy and Robert, and in-laws Frank and Sylvia.

Donald served in the U.S. Navy as a pipefitter and was a survivor of one of the worst peacetime disasters in U.S. Naval history—the collision of the aircraft carrier USS *Wasp* and the destroyer-minesweeper USS *Hobson*.

Following his military service, he built a successful career as a printed circuit board designer, working for RCA in Camden. There, he contributed to several notable projects, including communication systems used in the Apollo space missions. In his early years, he supplemented his income by designing, building, and installing wrought iron railings throughout the Fairview section of Camden—many of which still stand today.

He spent 12 years self-employed, doing drafting work on significant projects, including AT&T’s communications and switching networks and major mainframe systems, before returning to RCA. He later retired from General Electric in the early 1990s.

Donald was a true DIY enthusiast long before it was a trend. From masonry and carpentry to electrical work, he could do it all. He personally designed and built an addition to his home, handling much of the construction himself. In retirement, he turned to woodworking, crafting projects that included custom doll wardrobe cabinets and over 50 handmade rocking horses for his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. What Norm Abram accomplished in an hour on *The New Yankee Workshop*, Donald would complete in a month—each piece made with care and love, but always left unpainted.

He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and became a Fourth Degree Knight together with his four sons in 1990. He was one of the longest-serving officers of Holy Family Council #7800, serving faithfully as Treasurer for decades, and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

Donald never missed Sunday Mass, Monday bank runs for the Knights, or his Wednesday poker games. A passionate Philadelphia sports fan, he celebrated two Eagles Super Bowl victories with family and endured countless Phillies losses with a smile. After every win, he proudly wore his Eagles or Phillies jacket to St. Luke’s Church—and his Knights of Columbus jacket after every loss.

He loved to travel across the U.S. and Europe. If a new casino opened anywhere in the country, it became the next destination. His idea of a corporal work of mercy was treating a friend or family member to a day at the casino.

Donald’s life was grounded in faith, enriched by family, and surrounded by friends. He will be deeply missed, but the legacy he created—through his love, his craftsmanship, his service, and his humor—lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Relatives and friends will meet for his viewing on Saturday, May 17th, from 10:30AM to 12:00-noon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, at St Luke R. C. Church, 55 Warwick Rd., Stratford, NJ followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00-noon. The interment will be held on Monday, May 19th at 11:00AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA. There will be no viewing on Monday, everyone will meet directly at the cemetery for the Committal.  In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions in Donald’s memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Stratford, NJ 08084 (https://www.guadalupeshrinenj.org).    

Arrangements by the Bocco Funeral Home, Cherry Hill.