Fanella, Robert J.

Robert Joseph Fanella, age 89, of Saint Charles, Illinois, passed on to the Lord, May 27, 2023. He was born to Joseph and Caroline Fanella (nee Zappen) on October 24, 1933. For 64 years, he was the devoted husband of the late Joanne Fanella (nee Kolany). He was the loving father of Karen (David) Onorato, Donna (William) Gioia, Nancy (Matthew) Sporer, Joseph, Kenneth (Laura) and John. He was a proud Papa to Matthew (Megan) Onorato, Daniel (Erin) Onorato, Andrew (Carly) Gioia, Timothy (Paige) Gioia, Lisa Sporer, Lori Sporer, Kimberly (Naim) Herrera, Patrick, Craig, Shannon, Joanna, Natalie, Bradley, Kristen, and Caroline Fanella. More recently, he was blessed with great-grandchildren Jackson, Leonie, Ivy, and Luciann. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Joanne, his parents Joseph and Caroline, and his three siblings, Lorraine Cavanaugh, Dorothy Kralik, and Anthony Fanella.

Bob had Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago where he also pitched for their baseball team. His interests included piloting small planes, painting, the Cubs, and spending time with his family. Bob was known for his sharp wit and great sense of humor. He was very active in the Catholic Church over the years.

Visitation will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church, 30W350 Army Trail Road, Wayne, IL, Friday, June 30 at 9:30 a.m., with the Funeral Mass following at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery 1S510 Winfield Road, Winfield, IL.

If you wish, donations in his name can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of his favorite charities. Funeral info www.williams-kampp.com or (630)-668-0016