Obituary of Frances E. Fanelli

Frances Fanelli (née Romeo) of Clinton, New Jersey, died on June 21, 2025.

Born on January 26, 1940, in New York City, Frances was one of eight children of Francis and Angela “Julia” Romeo, and the identical twin of her beloved sister, Verna.

Frances began her career with AT&T as a TWX operator, where her life’s journey took a fateful turn—meeting her future husband, Mauro (Mario) Fanelli, through a mutual friend in 1957. The two would go on to share sixty-six wonderful years of marriage. 

She had numerous friends and family in New York, frequently getting together for dinners, activities, and summertime trips to Coney Island Beach with children in tow! There were occasional capers with her twin and friends, sometimes helping care for an elderly neighbor or two. She was a ready volunteer in the school lunchroom, or wherever she was needed. Her door was always open.

In 1977, Frances and Mario moved from Brooklyn, New York to New Jersey, where she valued her work as a pharmacy assistant in Clinton – a place where she seemingly met everyone from the town and its surroundings. Together, Frances and Mario became deeply rooted in their community through their involvement with the Immaculate Conception Church and the Flemington Elks, forming countless enduring friendships along the way. 

Frances passionately loved her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; she was the heart of our family. She also treasured her role as an aunt (lovingly known to her nieces and nephews as Aunt Fifi) and was a dear friend to many, always ready to comfort, listen or share a laugh. Frances’ husband Mario was her rock, her constant, her lifelong companion. Her daughters were a great source of pride, and her grandchildren an endless source of joy. 

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Frances lived her devotion daily. She had special reverence for the Blessed Mother, prayed the Rosary every day, and faithfully recited the Divine Mercy Chaplet each afternoon at 3:00 p.m. She passed her unwavering faith on to her daughters and grandchildren, a legacy that will continue to bless future generations.

Frances loved music, movies, reading, animals of all kinds, and cooking. She had a deep affection for babies and children. One of her great pleasures was traveling and experiencing the world with Mario by her side. Her warmth, humor, and faith-filled spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who met and knew her.

Frances is survived by her loving husband, Mario; her daughters Christina, Laura (and son-in-law Francis Vitelli), and Cara (and son-in-law BB Cline-Thomas); her cherished grandchildren Caryssa (and husband Joseph Pablo), Tyler, Zachary, Francis, Daniel, and Michael; and her great-grandson, Jace Joseph Pablo. She is also survived by her brothers Ettore and William Romeo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Angela “Julia” Romeo, her twin sister, Verna, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond. In addition to her parents and her twin sister, Frances was preceded in death by her siblings Rosemary Musacchio, Robert, Frank, and Anthony Romeo, as well as her beloved niece Lisa Gaetani, niece Kristine Moore, and her nephew Frank Gaetani. She was also predeceased by her dear “special” mother-in-law Giovanna “Jennie” Fanelli, sisters-in-law Teresa Fanelli, Concetta “Tina” Volpicella, and Patricia Romeo, and brothers-in-law Louis Ruisi, Nicholas Gaetani, Thomas Volpicella, Joseph Musacchio, and Frank Fanelli.

Frances was inimitable: smart, fearless, funny, friendly, witty, warm, kind, generous, adventurous, and loving. She will be remembered for her compassion, grace, and the strong faith that carried her through every season of a well-lived life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who had the immense privilege of knowing her.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, June 27th, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, June 28th at 10:00AM at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale NJ 08801. Entombment will follow in the church mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, it was the request of Frances that memorial donations be made to the Immaculate Conception Church Pro-Life Ministry or to Immaculate Conception Church. Kindly designate your donation. 

Donations can be sent to: 

Immaculate Conception Church 

Attention: Director of Advancement 

  316 Old Allerton Road 

  Annandale, NJ 08801

Or by following the linkbelow to make your contribution

Make a One - Time Gift Now - Faith Direct