Anthony J. Farinelli

Berlin Center - Anthony Farinelli, 82, passed away on January 2, 2026, at Burton Health Care Center under hospice care, following complications of pancreatic cancer.

Anthony was born on January 3, 1944, at Northside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, to Jennie (Cipriano) and Emilio Farinelli. He grew up in Youngstown's Smoky Hollow neighborhood and attended East High School and The Rayen High School.

Anthony proudly served his country as a disabled veteran, having served in the Army, Navy, and Marines during his military career. He was a veteran of the Bay of Pigs conflict and later the Vietnam War. In recognition of his honorable service, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Anthony worked for General Motors, Aeroquip, and later Delphi Packard, where he specialized in electrical mechanisms and molding. He retired after 30 years of dedicated service. He also served briefly as an honorary Deputy Sheriff in Columbiana County.

A man of many passions, Anthony was deeply involved in historical reenactments. He participated in both Revolutionary War and Civil War reenactments and was widely known for his expertise in artillery. He was recognized as a Colonel with the Army of Northern Virginia artillery, where he taught cannon school and cannon firing training. He later transferred to the Valley Division and became General of Ordnance and a member of the National Civil War Artillery Association, where he taught artillery safety training.

He took part in numerous reenactments at major Civil War battlefields, including Cedar Creek, Gettysburg, Antietam, Zoar, and Hale Farm in Akron, Ohio. He also participated in military funeral and memorial services and was involved in the raising of the Hunley in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. In 1993, he appeared briefly in the film Gettysburg, with a cannon firing scene.

Anthony was a respected historian and educator of Living History, known for his knowledge of Civil War generals and military strategies. He generously shared his expertise with students and fellow reenactors at gatherings throughout the region.

He was an active member of the Windham, Ohio American Legion, where he enjoyed assisting with fish fries and helping distribute food through a Veterans food bank. He also served on honor guards throughout Rittman, Ohio.

Anthony was known as an excellent cook and loved teaching his daughter and granddaughter how to prepare family recipes, most recently passing on instructions for making smelts and stuffing squid for Christmas Eve.

Anthony Farinelli will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, fellow veterans, and all whose lives he touched along his journey.

He was married for 57 years to the love of his life, Marilyn (Schandlinger) Farinelli. They were married at Saint Edward Church in Youngstown. Anthony is survived by his wife Marilyn; his daughter, Wendy (Kevin) Farinelli-Jones; his beloved granddaughter, Angela Maria Jones and uncle Frank Mezzapeso and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Sabatino "Sam" Farinelli; and his sisters, Julia Cardarelli and Elizabeth Spagnola.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday evening, January 7, 2026 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street Boardman.

There will be a prayer service held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:20 am at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown, with the Very Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw J.C.L.,V.G. as celebrant .

Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Austintown with military honors provided by the great men and woman of the Marine Corp League and the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions can be made in Anthony's name to Traditions Health Hospice, 4531 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, Ohio 44505 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences to Anthony's family.