John P. Fanelli

John P. Fanelli, age 89, of New Hartford, passed away on Tuesday September 1, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Utica on March 9, 1937, a son of the late Rocco and Lena Palmisano Fanelli and was a graduate of TR Proctor High School. On April 4, 1959, he was married to Ruth Cozza in St. Anthony of Padua Church, a blessed union of 67 years. They shared two sons, Rocco and Peter.

John, along with his father Rocco and brother George, was the co-owner and operator of the family business, Fanelli’s Express, Inc., in New Hartford. He worked there until his retirement and was joined by his son Rocco for many years.

John had a larger than life personality, you always knew when he entered the room. Never one to turn down a party, he will be remembered by friends and family for his storytelling, quick wit, and sense of humor. John had a passion and love of golf, talking fondly of his time playing Oak Hill, Pebble Beach, and more. He was a longtime member of the Yahnundasis Country Club where he enjoyed many rounds of golf, rounds of drinks, and good food with family and friends. John shared wonderful adventures with his wife, Ruth, traveling to Europe and California among many other places. He especially enjoyed his trips to Las Vegas and had many memories of traveling with Peter on his trips around the world. John was a great cook, passing down recipes at holidays and family cookouts at Rocco's house. John believed you could never have too much food and no one would leave his house hungry! A loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Big John's memory will be forever cherished by his family.

Surviving is his beloved wife Ruth, his devoted son Rocco Fanelli (Lisa Foster); his cherished granddaughters Alyssa Fanelli (Ryan Misencik) and Taylor Fanelli and husband Adam Hohl; his beloved great-granddaughter Madelyn and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews of the Fanelli and Cozza families. He also leaves many cousins and dear friends especially Bill Morris, Humbert Colucci and Tom Walker.

He was predeceased by his cherished son, Peter John Fanelli, his brother and best friend George (Anita) Fanelli, his daughter-in-law Mary Fanelli and his in-laws Dan (Sarah) Cozza, Paul (Rose) Cozza, David (Josephine) Cozza, Mary (Frank) “Timber” Tomaino, John (Ann) Cozza and Caroline (John) Kukla.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday September 8, 2026, at 12:00 noon in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, Utica. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of Mass in church. Private entombment will be in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Anita's Steven Swan Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at church or to www.anitas-sshs.org.

Funeral arrangements are by The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave. Utica.

Messages of sympathy www.scalaroefaro.com.