Alfred Albert Santelli

MOUNT CARMEL - Alfred Albert Santelli, 78, of Mount Carmel, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Schuylkill Center, in Pottsville.

He was born in Shamokin, Nov. 14, 1946, a son of Anthony U. and Catherine D. (Tanney) Santelli, and grew up in Atlas.

He was a 1965 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School and was a proud member of the Mounties Marching Band, where he was known as "Art."

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a DC2 aboard the USS Fremont.

Al was an expert welder and worked at various coal mining operations around Mount Carmel, across Schuylkill County and the Hazleton area for more than 50 years. After retiring from Fabcon, in Mahanoy City, Al did jobs for Shustack's Welding and Hydraulic Hoses, in Shenandoah, and most recently worked for D. Molesevich and Sons Construction Co., in Mount Carmel.

A talented trumpet player and singer, Al was a member of the Hi-Lites, a local polka band, in which he played with his best friend of more than 60 years, Greg Pulaski.

Al was a member of a number of Mount Carmel social organizations, such as the American Hose, Anthracite and Clover Hose companies and Lithuanian Social Club. He also served as a member of the honor and color guard for the American Legion, in Atlas.

He shared a passion for rescuing and rehabilitating animals with his beloved wife, Diane. He was spontaneous and loved taking day trips to just about anywhere, including the Army/Navy game. He also enjoyed shopping for bargains at flea markets with his brother, Jerry.

Alfred was a devoted father; he taught his daughters at an early age they could do anything they wanted in life if they set their minds to it. He was the best Pap anyone could ever ask for to his grandchildren, Alex, Grace, Zane, Livia and Madelyn. They were the lights of his life.

In addition to his wife, Diane, Al is survived by his daughters, Beth Readler (Dean), of Myrtle Beach, and Amy Santelli, of Jonestown; his stepdaughter, Carleen Zlockie (Joel), of Mount Carmel; grandchildren, Alex Guenther, Grace Guenther, Zane Zlockie, Livia Zlockie and Madelyn Wolfgang; a brother, Jerry (Linda); a niece, Kathryn; two nephews, Anthony and Brian; two brothers-in-law, Todd Owens and Richard Mauray; and a sister-in-law, Sandra Strine.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol; his parents; and a brother, Tony.

SANTELLI - Alfred Albert Santelli, 78, of Mount Carmel. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday March 31, at Joseph J. Stutz Inc. Funeral Home, 40 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, supervisor, with the Rev. Dan Renno officiating. Interment will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, at the funeral home. To offer condolences to Al's family, go to www.stutzfuneralhome.com.