LUCAS: Michael "Mike" C. Fanello, 62, of Lucas, Ohio died on the family farm Friday, October 15, 2010 while doing one of the many things he enjoyed-cutting wood. He was born April 3, 1948 in Mansfield.
Growing up on Cook Road, he graduated from Lexington High School in 1966 and attended The Ohio State University. He moved to the family farm in Lucas after marrying Sherry, his wife of 40 years. He dearly loved his wife, children and grandchildren.
Mike enjoyed many things in life including boating and skiing on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky with his family and friends; working on the farm; maintaining equipment in his barn; and cutting wood with his father and boys. He also enjoyed dirt track racing which progressed into a 21-year involvement with NASCAR. Mike loved spending time in Marco Island, Florida with his parents, walking on the beach with his wife and fishing around the island with friends. He had recently taken up the sport of trap shooting with his sons and several friends. He enjoyed all Lucas school sporting events. He was a member of the Lucas School Board for 16 years, serving as President for 10 years, giving him the privilege of personally handing each of his three sons their high school diploma. Mike cherished the time spent with his family, all of whom were very important to him. His kind and giving spirit is a legacy his family will treasure.
In 1999, he founded Ohio Valley Manufacturing, Inc., where he was presently the CEO, operating the company alongside his sons until the time of his passing. He was very compassionate toward his employees and helped many people throughout his life. Mike began his working career at the age of 9, sweeping floors for his father at Shiloh Tool and Die. While working professionally at Shiloh Corp. for 33 years, he obtained valuable knowledge being involved in all aspects of the business.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon "Sherry" Ormiston Fanello; three sons, John (Carrie) Fanello, Jeff (Traci) Fanello and Steven (Aubrey) Fanello; four grandchildren, Tori, Paige, Andrew and Anthony, all of Lucas; loving mother, Rose M. Fama Fanello; two sisters, Patti (Nick) Patrick and Nancy Fanello (Fred Fawley); niece, Lisa (Chris) Parker; nephews, Kris (Kathy) Patrick and Matt (Cynthia) Patrick; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Dominic "Mick" C. Fanello in 2009.
Friends may visit from 4-6 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Mansfield. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Resurrection Parish with Father Nelson Beaver officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lucas Schools Sustaining Fund. Online guest registry at
www.wappner.com