Joseph F. Fanelli

Joseph F. Fanelli passed away on March 3, 2025 at the age of 91. He was born on May 29, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan to his parents, the late Joseph and Anna Fanelli.

He is the beloved and devoted husband of Betty (née Simon); loving father of four children – Allison (Larry O’Hara), Joseph (Rachelle) Fanelli, Kenneth (Kathryn) Fanelli, and Katheryn (Randy) Haskins; proud grandfather of Lauryn (Michael) Moomaw, Kenneth (Melissa) Fanelli, Marissa O’Hara, Anna Fanelli, Nicholas Fanelli, Joseph (Andrea) Fanelli, Grace (Alex) Perry, Mallory Haskins, and great-papa of David, Caitlyn, Jacob, Elizabeth, Isaac, Rhett, Thomas, Atlas and Clay.

Joe is pre-deceased by his siblings Mary (Hank) Plante, Dora (Robert) Bartus, William (Evelyn) Fanelli, Violet (Donald) Toth and Jeanette (Roger) Wines.

He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and was a graduate of Cooley High School in Detroit. He was drafted into the military and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was stationed for two years at Fort Belvior in Virginia. He later graduated from the University of Detroit with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Joe met his beloved wife, Betty (née Simon) while working at Robinson Furniture Store in Detroit. They were married on February 6, 1960 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church.

His love for his family brought him much happiness and enjoyment on our camping trips, vacations in Florida and small trips around Michigan and neighboring States. He had much love for animals – both wild and domestic. Over the years, he enjoyed our many dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and even a raccoon.

In 1992, at the age of 59, Joe happily retired after a successful career as a Trust Officer and Vice President with Manufacturer’s Bank in Detroit. He enjoyed more than 30 years of retirement life and was able to devote more time to his family - especially to his grandchildren, as well as his volunteer work at his church, St. Anne’s in Livonia.

All who knew Joe remember him for his loving random acts of kindness with his family, extended family, neighbors and others. He was always there to support and lend a hand. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-papa, brother, uncle and friend, but more importantly, Joe left a legacy of love, kindness and generosity.

Family and friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with a Rosary Service at 6:00 P.M.

Visitation will continue on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 38100 Five Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan.

The family wishes for anyone who may be attending the Funeral Mass to be aware that St. Anne’s Catholic Church requires all attendees to adhere to the pre-Vatican II requirements as it relates to the dress code.

Men are required to wear a collared shirt, and no jeans.

Women are required to wear a dress or skirt to the knee or longer, no jeans, and a veil or hat must be worn. Veils will be provided at the church if necessary.

Joseph will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan.