Obituaries

John Anthony Fanella, Jr. of Pensacola, Florida, passed at the age of 91 on September 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on December 7, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Lucille Fanella. He graduated from Proviso Township High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, June Forest. John and June married in 1950 and raised seven children in their loving home in Elmhurst, Illinois. John had fond memories of his time spent at their condominium in Perdido Key, Florida, where he and June took walks on the beach, collected sand dollars, and fished. They celebrated their 40 year wedding anniversary in 1990 before June passed away in 1991. A devoted family man, he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He believed in a strong work ethic, which he instilled in his children. He graduated from University of Illinois with a B.S. in Business Administration. John retired from a 40 year career at Commonwealth Edison in Chicago, Illinois. He was chosen to represent ComEd in a TV commercial and in print advertisement because of the work he accomplished.

John never met a stranger; he had a knack for initiating conversation and lively banter with anyone he met. His spirited sense of humor and quick wit ensured that laughter would ensue shortly thereafter. He was just a fun person to be around. John was generous, caring, selfless, and insightful. He would do anything for his family and was more concerned with their well-being than his own, right up until the time of his passing. If you were ever in need, all you had to do was call John, and he would be ready to dispense advice, instructions on how to fix anything, recipes for his famous cooking (which always included wine), or anything else that was needed to make the situation better.

While living in Pensacola, Florida, John met and married Linda Collins. John and Linda enjoyed traveling, cooking, visiting with family, and attending church activities. They were active members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where they grew their faith and made lasting friendships. John was an avid Chicago Bears fan, and he and Linda enjoyed visiting museums, dining out, and walking to Navy Pier and Water Tower Place while visiting Chicago.

John is survived by his wife Linda Fanella; his children Jeannie (Harry Haidt), Judy (Anthony Greco), James (Jean), Joyce (Danette), and Julie (Kevin Sutton); his daughter-in-law Marilyn Fanella and his son-in-law Gene Piasecki. He is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his wife June Fanella, his son John Fanella, his daughter Janet Piasecki, his father John A. Fanella Sr., his mother Lucille Jerzak, and his brothers William Fanella and David Fanella. John will forever be loved and remembered by his family.

Visitation will be Friday September 8, 2023 from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Saint Charles, IL 60174. Funeral Service will be Saturday September 9, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Union Cemetery, 1200 N 5th Avenue, Saint Charles, IL 60174.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the American Heart Association, https://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/john-fanella

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