Frank A. Fanelli

Frank A. Fanelli, Age 82 “I always considered myself an artist.” That’s what Frank would say when talking about his lifelong career in the auto body field. Frank A. Fanelli, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 in Osceola Regional Medical Center after years of being known as the man with nine lives. Born on March 11, 1938, son of the late Guisippi and “Jenny” Giovanna Cea Fanelli, in Brooklyn, NY. Frank grew up with a passion for working on cars, home renovations and repairs. As a young boy he was known to be attached to his father around the house and at work delivering ice. Frank graduated from William E. Grady Vocational HS. After working his way up from pumping gas, he became a partner and eventually the owner and operator of Imperial Collision Auto Body Shop. On June 2, 1962, Frank married his wife, Carmen, that he tenderly called “Hun”. Together they raised their children, Anita and Joseph in Staten Island, NY. Frank loved taking his family on long car rides, especially to car shows. He and Carmen were quite the party hosts. Their home was often filled with family and friends. The food, bar and laughs lasted from early in the morning until late in the evening. Their home was also open to anyone that needed a place to stay. A seemingly quiet man, Frank was quite the prankster at times, especially when vacationing with lifetime friends, Lynn, Sal, Joyce and Bobby. After both children were married and had settled in Florida, Frank sold his business and he and Carmen relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where Frank enjoyed time with his son, grandchildren, friends from the Mustang Club and neighbors. Each year, Frank and Carmen would drive Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause in the annual parade in his 64 ½ Red Convertible Mustang that he cherished. Frank was a kind family man that was often referred to as a big teddy bear or pussycat. Throughout the years, he was also known as Santa Clause. He delivered gifts to Carmen’s younger siblings, his nieces, nephews, children and grandchildren. He even made house calls to friend’s homes to deliver gifts from Santa. In 2019, Frank and Carmen moved to Kissimmee to live with Anita and Greg. Although his time there was limited, he made an impression on anyone that was fortunate to meet him. During this past year and a half, many friends and family members went to Kissimmee to visit him. Frank is survived by his wife, Carmen, his children Anita Torregrossa (Greg) and Joseph Fanelli (Brandy), his grandchildren that affectionately called him “Poppy”, Gabrielle, Faith, Julianna and Joseph Fanelli Jr, his great-granddaughter, Alice, his sister Rosa Fanelli Ruisi and brother Mauro Fanelli. Frank was predeceased by his sisters Theresa Fanelli and Tina Concetta Volpicella. He was lovingly referred to as Uncle Frankie by his many nieces and nephews. Frank was also considered a big brother to Carmen’s siblings. Frank was known to love cars, ice cream, veal parmesan and parties, but most of all his family. His biggest concern in these last months were that his family would be okay and that he gave his wife and children a good life. Like his mother, he always thanked everyone profusely for calling or visiting. He will be loved forever and missed dearly. A celebration of Frank’s extraordinary life will be held as soon as circumstances permit. Funeral services entrusted to Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home - POINCIANA Chapel, 3175 Pleasant Hill Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746. Phone: (407) 931-4811 - For online condolences please visit: www.OsceolaMemGds.com

Frank A. Fanelli

March 11, 1938 - June 26, 2020