George R. Fanelli

George R. Fanelli, age 91, of Utica, passed away, peacefully, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at home, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Utica, on October 29, 1933, son of the late Rocco and Lena Palmisano Fanelli and was a graduate of TR Proctor High School, Class of 1951. He served our country in the US Army from 1956 to 1958. On August 30, 1958, he was married to Anita J. Hamilton, in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a blessed union of 57 years until her passing on December 4, 2015. George, along with his father, Rocco, and brother, John, was the co-owner and operator of the family business, Fanelli's Express, Inc., in New Hartford, for many years until his retirement.

In his younger years, during high school, George excelled in sports and was an excellent basketball, baseball and football player. George was always boasting about scoring four touchdowns in a single game. He was an avid golfer and was a devoted member of the Yahnundasis Golf Club. To his credit, George had four "holes-in-one" during his golfing career. He was also a devout Yankees fan. George's happiest times were those spent with his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. They will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

Surviving are his beloved children and grandchildren; his son, John "JP" and wife, Mary (Leffert) Fanelli and their children, Arica and Craig Briggs, and Elaina Fanelli; his daughter, Lenora Fanelli Mihavetz and her daughters, Kailey and Kara; son, George R., Jr. and wife, Nicola (Bruzzese) Fanelli and their sons, George, Rocco and Antonio; son, David and wife, Maria (Carzo) Fanelli and their children, Gianna, Giulia and David; two great grandchildren, Abriana and Charlee-Joan; brother and sister-in-law, John P. and Ruth (Cozza) Fanelli; in-laws, Mary Hamilton and John Dundorf; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, with special mention of his nephew and Godson, Rocco Fanelli. He also leaves his dear friend, Lucretia Humphrey.

He was predeceased by his parents; his granddaughter, Monica; nephew, Peter Fanelli; mother-in-law, Gertrude Borey; and in-laws, Joan Dundorf and Delbert Hamilton.

There will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday February 13 at 12:00 Noon from Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church. Private interment will be next to his beloved wife, Anita, in Calvary Cemetery. The family will greet all visitors at the conclusion of Mass in church.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Wynn Hospital for their compassion and care during George's stay.

Arrangements with The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home, 1122 Culver Ave., Utica; David Roefaro & Steve Karboski, Directors. Online sympathy at www.scalaroefaro.com.

"Ninety-one, what a run!"