I will always keep close many happy memories of Fenel. He came into my life through my daughter as a co-worker, became a friend and then family. As a teacher, he believed every child could learn at their own pace. He welcomed the challenge of special needs kids because he knew we all have special needs. Fenel told me he learned as much from his students as he hoped they learned from him. Rest assured, Fenel: you reached the lives of many students.

As a friend, Fenel was as fiercely protective of others as he was of his own vulnerabilities. He could hold the line tight or just as easily cut slack if he thought it was earned. Fenel was much more comfortable giving to others than receiving for himself.

The photo below of Fenel from 20 years ago with my granddaughter will forever be how I will remember him. Fenel walked out of a work meeting to come to my house to calm and distract an anxious little child so Anne, Janet and I could spend our final hours with my father before he passed on to glory. That day Fenel became family too, by providing what we would not have had without his kindness. That was Fenel: big smile, bigger heart. Fenel was a blessing to us all in so many different ways and gone too soon. In your eternal home, Fenel, may you rest in peace. 

With a grateful heart and much love,
“Miss Patti” Laro

I have many fine memories of working with Fenel at our elementary school, Bethlehem Christian, in Baltimore Maryland. He added a dimension to our staff that allowed us to interact with the children we taught in more meaningful ways.  His teaching style was direct, and he let students know that they were being held accountable for their learning; but, he also showed how deeply he cared for his students and colleagues.  This philosophy impacted me as a teacher of the younger children and is guided by Scripture:  
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
He is greatly missed... sincerest condolences to his family & friends.
Love and Prayers,
Sharon Goetz

I always told you how handsome you and smart you were. I learned so much from you. You were one of a kind.

Movie dates with you were always fun. You were the funniest man I known.

Words can’t describe the pain I feel now that you’re gone. Fenel Madelon what a wonderful and incredible human being you were. It saddens me that a precious soul like you had to leave so soon. You were truly a special person. You were not only my partner but my best friend and soulmate. You will be remembered, for as long as I have breath in me. For the memories we shared will Forever live in my heart. Until we meet again, may your soul rest in peace. My condolences to your Friends and family.

Now realizing that the picture was left out of the previous memory post.

Dear family and friends of Fenel Madelon,

I was so sorry to hear of Fenel's passing recently! I served as pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church during his time as teacher at Bethlehem Christian Day School. I got to see first-hand his skill in teaching and interacting with the students. He had such a good rapport with the students - they all liked him; and yet he was firm and would not let them get away with anything. He pushed the students to be the best that they could be, and I am sure many of them will carry a positive piece of Fenel with them all through their lives. 

His loss hurts us, and I am sure hurts you even more. We pray that the good news of forgiveness and life through Jesus Christ will be of great comfort to you as you go through these days. We are keeping you in our prayers that God will comfort you and help you to get through the coming days. We all miss him and hope to see him again in glory! God's Peace be with you!

- Pastor Jim Kleinfelter

Mr.Fenel was a big part of my life, as well as so many others, at Bethlehem. We were all a tight family at BCDS. Someone you knew you could always trust and laugh with; but would also make sure work was done and learning happened. 

My heart goes out to his family, rest easy Mr. Fenel ❤️

Some of the best memories! We will never forget you Mr Fenel ❤️

Mr Fenel was my middle school teacher in 06-07. He was such a great teacher and a sweet guy. He was always cheerful and positive . We had so much fun with him . He will definitely be missed and my condolences to his family and friends .

Fenel, 
I have been sitting here for the past 30 minutes simply staring at the screen because I do not know where to begin. From the moment that I met you over 20 years ago, I knew you were special. There are so many memories (that I will hold near and dear forever)  and so many wonderful qualities about you. You would literally cut off your left arm (cause we all know Fenel was a "leftie") for those you cared about. There wasn't ANYTHING you wouldn't do for those you loved. Always giving so selflessly, genuinely, and with your all. Whether it be in friendship, in life, or especially in serving children and teaching them so many valuable life lessons! You were a such a teacher! Bethlehem was so incredibly blessed to have you! I will never forget the love you also had for your mother and family. In particular, the time I was headed into "the city" (NYC) to meet some friends and you rode along, so that I wouldn't have to make the entire trip alone. We got to your house in Spring Valley and as soon as I met Ms. Charite, she immediately began welcoming me into her home and making a bed, thinking I was staying there! You said, mom, she's going into the city, to which she replied, why? She can stay here! You were your mother's son. So welcoming, so inclusive, so caring.. the BIGGEST HEART that I know! You were my BIG little brother, my family was yours and your family mine. I am so thankful that you AND your family (thank you, Ronald, Edeline, Roody, Pierre, Patricia, Myrlene,  Florise, and most importantly, Ms. Charite for being my "Spring Valley" family) came into my life and even though you are no longer with us, I will continue to be there for them and hold them close to my heart. Thank you, Fenel for simply being YOU and I will never forget you and your beautiful heart. Much love, Anne

This was taken back in 2017 when my classmates (and fellow students of Mr. Fenel’s) were married. It was such a fun night ! As a teacher’s kid , I can truly appreciate the hard work and time he spent keeping all of us out of trouble and on task while simultaneously being everyone’s favorite teacher. The way he forged relationships with students, making us feel like friends while also bordering the line of authority, is something that inspires me in my own classroom today.  Sending loving wishes to the family during this tough time ❤️
-Jacki [Henry] Hill & the Friskeys

Fenel, 
I have been sitting here for the past 30 minutes simply staring at the screen because I do not know where to begin. From the moment that I met you over 20 years ago, I knew you were special. There are so many memories (that I will hold near and dear forever) and so many wonderful qualities about you. You would literally cut off your left arm (cause we all know Fenel was a "leftie") for those you cared about. There wasn't ANYTHING you wouldn't do for those you loved. Always giving so selflessly, genuinely, and with your all. Whether it be in friendship, in life, or especially in serving children and teaching them so many valuable life lessons! You were such a great teacher! Bethlehem was so incredibly blessed to have you! I will never forget the love you also had for your mother and family. In particular, the time I was headed into "the city" (NYC) to meet some friends and you rode along, so that I wouldn't have to make the entire trip alone. We got to your house in Spring Valley and as soon as I met Ms. Charite, she immediately began welcoming me into her home and making a bed, thinking I was staying there! You said, mom, she's going into the city, to which she replied, why? She can stay here! You were your mother's son. So welcoming, so inclusive, so caring.. the BIGGEST HEART that I know! You were my BIG little brother, my family was yours and your family mine. I am so thankful that you AND your family (thank you, Ronald, Edeline, Roody, Pierre, Patricia, Myrlene,  Florise, and most importantly, Ms. Charite for being my "Spring Valley" family) came into my life and even though you are no longer with us, I will continue to be there for them and hold them close to my heart. Thank you, Fenel for simply being YOU and I will never forget you and your beautiful heart. Much love, Anne

I remember being in Mr. Fenel’s homeroom, math class, pretty sure a  foreign language class and probably a gym class or two.  He did everything  and was always willing to help out. I remember him laughing a lot, cracking jokes, always lighting up the room with a smile. He also made me appreciate math. He poured a lot into the kids he taught. 

I know he was proud of all of his students as he watched us grow even commenting every once in a while on Facebook. BCDS was a huge part of my childhood growing up so of course Mr. Fenel was a great part of that. He will be deeply missed.

OBITUARY

Fenel Madelon

March 13, 1979 – January 26, 2026

Burgee-Henss-Seitz Funeral Home Inc.

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