Beloved husband, and adored father, Angelo James Anelli, 85, of Columbia, SC, left us Thursday, October 22, 2015. Born August 14, 1930, in Carbondale, PA, he was the son of the late Richard Paul and Caroline Frances Lapera Anelli.
He found the love of his life, Marianne Baron, through a blind date in 1955. They married in 1959.
As a child, Angelo "Peddled" milk using a horse-drawn wagon pulled by King, who only kicked him once or twice. Angelo graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School, Class of 1948, where he played football and ran track. He enlisted in the US Army. Angelo was an infantry platoon leader in the Korean War, on the ground in Korea for 16 months.
He fought in the infamous Battle of Pork Chop Hill, and Chosin Reservoir. Angelo rose from Private to Batallion Sargeant Major, taking an Honorable Discharge in Virginia in 1955. In his civilian career, Angelo rolled up his sleeves, working for the VA, IRS, and the Department of the Navy, while earning his bachelor's degree from LaSalle University, Class of 1964.
He loved his job at the Department of Defense, enjoyed the travel and made many friends there while rising to the important post of Director of Navy Audit. He was admired and respected, retiring in 1987. Retirement wasn't enough for Angelo, so he worked for Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland schools as an auditor.
There was always a party at the Anellis, as Angelo loved entertaining. He was a great host and excelled at grilling on the deck he built himself. His own friends, family, his daughter's friends, neighbors, everyone felt the warmth of his welcome.
On family trips, at home, at parties, almost anytime, Angelo had a camera in his hands, exercising his love of photography.
Angelo was active in the American Legion of Springfield, VA, where he held several elected positions including Treasurer. He loved music, and taught himself carpentry in order to do his own home improvements. In 2013, Angelo and his wife Marianne moved to Columbia, SC.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marianne Baron Anelli; daughters, Mary Ann Anelli (Jose) Santos of Great Falls, VA, Bernice Anelli (Rick) Kernan of Blythewood, Andrea (Shane) Rast of Summerville, SC; grandchildren, Ricky and Faith Kernan, Caroline and Madison Rast; sisters, Lucille (Frank) Hacken of Carbondale, PA, Frances Marie Robinson of Montdale PA; brother-in-law, John Opeka of Bridgewater, NJ; as well as a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Angelo was preceded in death by his sister, Angela Opeka.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 o'clock, Monday, October 26th, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Rd, Columbia. Burial will follow at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, with military honors. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o'clock, Sunday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd, with the Rosary recited at 7 o'clock.