Michael Angelo Fanelli

Michael A. Fanelli, 90, passed away Thursday, June 23rd in Houston, Texas. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Hough Elementary, Addison Junior High and East High Schools. His parents immigrated from Italy through Ellis Island. Mr. Fanelli’s lifetime was affiliated with construction.

Mr. Fanelli graduated with a B.S. in Structural Engineering from Fenn College in 1952 and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University in 1954. He was a life member of the National Society of Professional Engineers. He has been a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Y’s Investment Club and the Newman Club Alumni. He joined Hoist Equipment Co. Inc. in its founding year of 1954, and became President and majority owner in 1971. In 1967, he co-founded Pittsburgh Crane & Conveyor Co. becoming its President and majority owner in 1971. Mr. Fanelli resigned from both companies in 1986. He then started Fanelli & Associates, becoming an exclusive Manufacturer’s Representative for Hoist Equipment Co. Inc. He terminated Fanelli & Associates in 2002. Mr. Fanelli was an avid outdoorsman, traveling, hunting and fishing all over the world. He was a member of the Rockside, Ashland Lake and NRA Clubs. Mr. Fanelli was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving before, during and after World War II. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Survivors include son Mike J. Fanelli and Michelle of Churchville, New York, son Daniel R. Fanelli and daughter-in-law Mercedes of Houston, Texas, daughter Laura T. Fanelli of Houston, Texas, son Paul B. Fanelli and daughter-in-law Debbie of Houston, Texas, daughter Darla M. Fanelli, son-in-law Joseph W. Rafferty, and granddaughter Teresina Fanelli Rafferty of Houston, Texas, niece Christine Yoney and Pat of Parma, Ohio, nephew Charles Wainey of Parma, Ohio, nephew James Wainey and Deborah of Cape Coral, Florida, nephew Michael Wainey and Annette of Davenport, Florida.

A visitation will be held at Heights Funeral Home on Monday, June 27, 2011 from 3-5pm. Services will be at 10am on Tuesday, June 28th at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Rd. Houston, Texas 77098. Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be sent to Disabled American Veterans James T. Hall Chapter 9, 6900 Almeda , Houston, Texas 77030.