Michael John Fanelli

I served in the Navy at Orange Grove with Mike. We shared an apartment in Kingsville, TX along with Tim Salley and Don Odell. I have contacted Tim and Don and some of our old Navy buddies and told them of your (our) loss. Mike was a very dear friend of mine. We rode motorcycles together down in Texas and he came to my parent's home in Houston on a couple of occasions. I'm very troubled by his passing, but I'm very happy that he found the Lord.

I tried to contact him when we got the internet 8-10 years ago, when I searched and found many of our other Navy buddies. I wish I had been able to locate him sooner and able to get with him and talk about our times together.

I was contacted by Tim Salley who was contacted by Mike's ex-wife Diane, who we all knew from Kingsville, TX. She told Tim what had happened to Mike.

Please accept my condolences and if you would like to contact me and ask me questions about Mike. Please feel free to contact me at my email address or call me at (318) 929-3425.

Sincerely,

Michael (Vroom) Vrooman

M.J. - I will miss you! I will never forget the most wonderful phone called that I have ever gotten from you. You called and ask me if I had been praying for you and my response was yea - for almost 20 years. You said well it worked!(Praise the Lord) When you told me you had taken Jesus as your Savior & you were born again I must admit I was in shock and couldn't beleive it. Then we decided to meet. From the first moment I saw you there wasn't a doubt in my mind I knew that your heart had changed and that Jesus was your Lord and Savior. The darkness had vanished & there was an incredible light that was shining from within you. I know that the light was the light of the Holy Spirit. You were truly transformed. Then you invited me to your Baptism - another day that has been etched in my mind forever. Tears of joy have never flowed so freely. There I was standing next to Jennifer & Christopher as we witnessed your testimony of your love for the Lord and your acknowlegement to everyone that your OLD LIFE WAS GONE and a NEW LIFE had BEGUN. As you continued your journey you just kept telling everyone about how Jesus had changed you and how much he had given to you. You touched so many people on your walk. I want you to know what a wonderful gift you have left our children. The gift that Jennifer & Christopher knew of your salvation and saw your transformation that they know that Jesus is the only one that can save you and transform you. Jesus is the way,the truth and the light. Only by God's love & grace. They saw your commintment and love for the Lord and I pray that they will follow your lead each and every day. They also know that they will see you again. Now the journey for you here on earth has come to pass and it is a new beginning in eternity. Until we meet again.
"Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord A-men"

Mr. & Mrs. Fanelli and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing and are happy to have known such a great person. Everything about Mike brings back fond memories.

Cathy & Ken Doolittle and Family

Mike, you are a wonderful person and your love for the Lord was contagious. I will never forget who you are and what a vivacious spirit and personality you possess. I still remember when we saw each other at Rusty and Evelyn's wedding and you introduced me to your son. You were the happiest, proudest father! Thank you for being such an inspiration and an example of Christ's love to all you came into contact with. Love you, and see you in Heaven!
Amy Krasner

We all leave an imprint on the lives of those around us. Some we want to hang on to forever. Michael's imprints are forever engraved in my memories and heart. Although saddened that we won't be able to embrace and hug each other, I can't help but smile at the memory of him, his smile, those baby blues, his politeness, kindness, thoughtfulness, openness, honesty, humor and most of all his deep and sincere gutteral laugh. I pray that we, his family and his extended Wellspring Church and CR family, take great comfort in having shared in his life and the knowledge that the heavenlies are truly in for a treat for surely the angels are dancing and celebrating that one more of God's chosen pressed on toward the mark and won the race and prize! See you in Eternity Michael. Mucho love,

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Fanelli,
It's been over 40 years since we were neighbors in Newington. I was so saddened to hear of Michael's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I'll remember him in my prayers.

Jesus Christ comes to many people in many ways, some folks get it and others dont. Mike got it in a big way. It would have been hard for anyone to have brushed up against Mike and not caught some of what God was visiting him with. He will be dearly missed @ CR and in my heart - I look froward to another day to roar with him again.
- Thomas J Scully

I'm really going to miss you, Mikey. Your life truly showed what God will do when we invite Christ to enter in. Yeah!!
Rom. 5:8
2 Cor. 5:17

Aunt Ann and Uncle Dick,

I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. It was a shock to me. I will always remember his free spirit and the conversations we shared.

Mike I was so happy the day you came over so my brother Eddy could come and visit with me. I knew you were a special person to take the time for him. I am sadden to know he will not be able to see you again but I KNOW ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS PRESENT WITH THE LORD and that is were we all would like to be. You just went first. Thanks for coming over and getting to know Therese and Ryan. I will always remember the times Eddy and you came over to visit us. Thanks for being like a brother to him. You will be greatly missed..........All our love, Diane Therese and Ryan Tenan

Dear Fanelli Family-- Our deepest sympathy for the loss of Michael. Our prayers are with you all.

Mike, we will miss you very much. Your story of how God turned your life around was amazing and beautiful to see. We heard you Friday night at Celebrate Recovery ... you let out your usual "roar" during worship. We didn't know it would be the last time we would see you on this earth. The next time you roared, it would be in heaven when you saw the face of our Lord. We will cherish your memory, remember your testimony, and look forward to the day we meet again in eternity.

Love,
Lynn and Dan Rouleau

Mike -
You were the perfect brother-in-law: kind, generous and always greeting me with a smile on your face. It was only a matter of a few seconds upon seeing each other that we were soon sharing a laugh about one thing or another. You had a view towards life that was simple, yet engaging, and your care free attitude often left people with a envious impression that you never really realized you potrayed. You were truly 1 of a kind and will be sorely missed at family gatherings.
Your-brother-in-law (with the yellow shirt),
Sal

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Fanelli, Sal, Cathy, Denise, Bill, and Family ~

We are so very sorry to hear the news of Michael's passing. He was still so young and had his whole life ahead of him…truly a tragic loss. May he rest in peace and may the wonderful memories you shared provide comfort during this difficult time.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Chris & Jennifer, we are so sorry for the loss of your father. My son Charlie & I loved him very much, he was a great friend. Our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. Know that we are praying for your family and that your father is with Jesus now.

Our heartfelt sympathies in this, your time of grief.