John Darel Fanella, 69, of Pensacola, FL passed into the heavenly kingdom on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, surrounded by his loving family and his dog, Molly.

John was born on November 1, 1951, in Oak Park, IL, to John Anthony and Geraldine June Fanella. A man full of joy, laughter, and surprises, he found fulfillment in his faith, his family, his dog, and the outdoors.

He was a retired officer in the United States Navy, and was most proud of earning his wings as a navigator. Prior to serving in the Navy, he also served in the US Army in the 101 ^st Airborne Division specializing in air assault operations. Before and after his military career, he had a wide array of experiences from running his own business to serving as a management consultant in the government. He earned a bachelor's degree in business education from University of Northern Colorado, a bachelor's degree in horticulture from University of Florida, and a master's degree in management from Troy State University. John valued education and strongly encouraged his family in their own studies. He was an avid Florida Gator fan and enjoyed sharing this interest with his children who also both graduated from the University of Florida.

John had several other interests including landscaping, construction, watching SEC football, eating home-cooked food, fixing anything and everything, and traveling with his family. He especially loved the mountains, and while he enjoyed hiking and adventure, he grew to find peace and relaxation in the outdoors. Because of John's vast knowledge and diverse experiences, he could provide advice on almost anything. His family will miss his advice, his jokes, and shared family times.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn Fanella (Laurenzana); their children, Paul (Rey) and Michelle (Anthony Musalo); his father, John (Linda); his brother, James (Jean); and his sisters, Jeannie (Harry Haidt), Judy (Anthony Greco), Joyce (Danette), and Julie (Kevin Sutton); grandchildren, Michael and Gabriella Musalo; sister-in-law, Francine (Ron Raethz) and Patricia (Jack Schulte); as well as 25 nieces and nephews. John will be forever loved and remembered by his family. John is preceded in death by his mother, June Fanella; his sister, Janet Piasecki; his father-in-law, Frank Laurenzana; his mother-in-law, Loretta Schipper; and his brothers-in-law, Frank Laurenzana and Rich Laurenzana.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A mass celebrating his life will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 11:00am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, with Father Tom Collins as the celebrant. His funeral with full military honors will follow at 1:00pm at The Barrancas National Cemetery.

In celebrating his life, his family is encouraging guests to wear white and other bright colors for his services on Friday, October 29th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, https://give.themmrf.org/JohnFanella