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.

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 for many years until his retirement.

Surviving is his beloved wife Ruth, his devoted son Rocco Fanelli (Lisa Foster); his cherished granddaughters Alyssa Fanelli 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, who visited John daily and 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 Steven Swan Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at church or donate online info@anitas-sshs.org.

A FULL OBITUARY WILL FOLLOW

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