Frank Farnello

Francis Farnello Athol – Francis “Frank” Farnello, 91, died Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester surrounded by his loving family.        Frank was born in Worcester, MA, September 26, 1922, the son of Michael and Stella (Masiello) Fanelli.  He grew up and has lived in Athol most of his life, graduating from Athol High School in 1941.  He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II with the 448th Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force in England from 1943 to l945, receiving the Good Conduct Ribbon and European Campaign Ribbon with seven battle stars.        Frank worked for Erving Paper Mills for over 40 years, retiring as a foreman of property maintenance in 1986.  As a second career Frank joined Hannaford Supermarket for another 20 years.  He was a member of Our Lady Immaculate Church, the Athol-Orange Lodge of Elks #1837 and the V.F.W. post #650, was past president of the former Athol Rod and Gun Club, member and past president of the Athol-Orange Aero Club being a private pilot.  Frank loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and kept beagles for many years, also enjoyed walking and traveling.  Also when he went to dinner at Herrick’s Tavern he always had a glass of wine waiting for him. Frank was a very social person and had many friends.      He leaves his sister, Stella Murphy of Athol and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn (Cornwell) Farnello, two brothers, John and Leo Fanelli and four sisters, Angelina Zuidema, Mary Cass, Agnes Breton and Antoinette Vorce.        A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, Athol with the Rev. Fr. Edwin Montana, pastor officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery and calling hours will be held Friday, September 26th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made in Frank’s memory to Sharing Our Fathers Bread, c/o Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, Athol, MA 01331.  For further information or to share a memory go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });