Joel G. Fanelli

Joel G. Fanelli, formerly of Sayville, passed away on January 12, 2026.

He was the beloved husband of Linda, loving father of Mary Ann (James) Bartens, and devoted grandfather of Ryan. He was a cherished brother of Hillary (Gordon) Reinold, Colette, Signe, Fred (Janice), and Toby Fanelli.

Born in San Diego, Joel grew up in Bay Shore. He proudly served his country as a United States Air Force veteran during the Cold War, where he worked on the Matador cruise missile program. Following his military service, he went on to a successful career as a finance manager at Grumman.

Joel was known for his great sense of humor and his love of boating and clamming. An avid traveler, he made it his mission to visit nearly every lighthouse in the United States. He was affectionately nicknamed “Uncle Joel Fix” by his nieces and nephews for his remarkable ability to fix just about anything.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Interment with Airforce Honors will take place on Monday, January 19 at 12:00 PM at Calverton National Cemetery, 

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