Mark A. Fanelli

Mark Anthony Fanelli, aka Papa and Popi, 61, a resident of Fountain Springs, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Shenandoah, December 15, 1956, he was the son of Mary Monahan Fanelli and the late John V. "Jack" Fanelli of Shenandoah.

He was a 1974 graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan Jr./Sr. High School and a 1976 graduate of Pennsylvania State University (Wilkes-Barre Campus), with an associate's degree in mechanical engineering technology and completed courses at The Wharton School of Business. He married his high school sweetheart, Amy, in 1981.

Mark worked in his family garage business before graduating from Penn State. He then followed his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and starting his first business, American Computer Associates, in 1992; and then a second business, Schuyl Inc., in 2001.

Mark has been a member of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce since 1993. He became a member of the board of Directors in 2000. He is a current member of the Board of Directors of the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation serving as president from 2012-2013. Mark then served as president of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce from 2013-2014. He was a strong advocate for the YEA program (Young Entrepreneurs Academy) and was a member of the initial interviewing committee. Mark was instrumental in technology advancements with the Chamber. He was awarded the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce "Entrepreneur of the Year" award in 2004.

Mark serves as a member on the Penn State, Wilkes-Barre Campus Advisory Board. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Joseph's Center for Special Learning. The St. Joseph's Center held a very special place in his heart. Mark is currently President of The Friends of St. Vincent DePaul Society of Upper Schuylkill County and served on the board at Mid Penn Bank.

Mark served as president of the Athletic Club for many years at the former Cardinal Brennan Jr./Sr. High School. He was awarded "The Distinguished Alumnus" Award in 2004.

He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland. Mark was an avid Penn State fan and enjoyed going to the games and tailgating with friends. He also enjoyed New York City, and visited frequently. He and his wife Amy loved traveling together, and loved entertaining their friends and family in their home.

Mark was a genuinely loving and caring person who touched the lives of many. He was passionate about his work and loved by all his employees. Family always came first with Mark and he loved being a "Papa" to his three grandsons.

Surviving are his wife of 37 years, the former Amy Madden; two sons, Colin J. Fanelli and his wife Jessica, Frackville; and Anthony L. Fanelli and his wife Colleen, Ashland; one daughter, Natalie A. Fanelli, Brooklyn NY. Three grandsons, Christian Fanelli, Frackville; and Geno and Nico Fanelli, Ashland. A brother, John S. Fanelli and his wife Diana, Parkersburg, WV; two sisters, Mary Jude Zarkoski and her husband Dave, Spring City, PA; and Mimi Null and her husband Kraig, Wynnewood, PA; five nieces and eight nephews, cousins, and friends. Also surviving are his in-laws, Larry and Janet Madden, Ashland; and brothers-in-law, Thad Madden and family, Ashland; and Larry Madden and family, Wooster, OH.

Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland with Rev. Paul Rothermel, pastor and Rev. Robert Finlan. Friends may call at the church on Friday evening from 5-8 PM, and 10-11 AM Saturday morning.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in, Mark's name, to St. Joseph's Center for Special Learning at 2075 W. Norwegian Street Pottsville, PA 17901.