Frank Vincent Fanelli

Frank Fanelli was born Francesco Vincente Fanelli in New York City on May 26, 1929 and died on January 11, 2017. His heritage was 100% Italian and his Parents came to the US through Ellis Island. Frank inherited his father's place in Laurenzana, Italy and gave the place to the relatives that had been living there since his Father came to the US. Frank spoke and wrote Italian fluently and he and his wife Sally visited the relatives twice in the hometown. Frank had an old sister Carmen. Their Mother died when Frank was 11 and losing her the day before Thanksgiving had a lifelong effect on him. He saw his Father & Mother about to get on a bus a block away & screamed at them to get their attention. They obviously never heard him & did not look his way. That was his last remembrance of his mother, because she was going to the hospital and died that day.

Frank and Sally met at the Empire State Building while working for Standard Oil, which became Exxon. They worked on different floors and Frank had a huge crush on Sally. She did everything to avoid him even taking the back stairs when she had to go to his floor. Sally refused his advances until he said he was drafted to the Korean War and would she go on one date in case he didn't come back. Sally reluctantly agreed and selected the movies since she wouldn't have to talk to him. They ended up talking and laughing throughout the entire movie. Frank proposed to Sally and she said Yes. However, her Mother would not let them get married until he returned from the war. Frank sent numerous gifts to Sally throughout his tour of duty with the Army stationed in Japan. They married on October 11, 1955. They had four children Isabelle, Mike, Judy and Chris within 7 years. All the children graduated college and three have Master's Degrees.

Frank got his bachelors degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in NJ while taking classes, working 2 jobs, and driving a train giving relief to the Engineer when they needed a break during the overnight hours. Frank's love of trains led him to take a position with the Railroad investigating train accidents after college. The Federal Government took over the Railroad and Frank began a long career with The Department of Transportation Railroad Accident Investigation Division in NYC and Washington DC. Frank retired in 1993 when his wife Sally convinced him to move to Virginia Beach to be near the youngest of their four granddaughters who was born that same year.

Frank's wife Sally had a dream to travel the world. Frank planned 3-4 trips a year for the two of them to see numerous countries in the world either by cruise ship or organized tours, and a few train excursions. They vacationed throughout 6 of the 7 continents of world (South & North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia). Frank's spouse Sally passed away May 4, 2006 in their hometown of Virginia Beach, VA after 53 years of marriage.