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Obituary for Alfonzo "Buff" Fanella

Alfonzo "Buff"  Fanella
Alfonzo "Buff" Fanella, 93 of Indiana, PA., passed away at his home on Saturday, December 26, 2015.

Son of Antonio and Rosaria Moffa Fanelli, born on March 1, 1922 in Donohoe, PA.

Buff was preceded in death by his beloved Zita, parents, sisters Concetta and husband Mike, Carmella, and son-in-law Jerry Slatter.

Survived by his loving daughters, Rebecca Slatter of Bountiful and Patricia Fanella of Columbus, OH.; brother Joseph and wife Katherine of Phoenix, AZ; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by by his granddaughter, Kristin Leahey Jacobs and husband Ryan, three great-grandchildren, Riley, Zoe and Jensen all of Kaysville, UT.;grandson Anthony and wife Ashley Adams Owens, and Baby Owens of Cartersville, GA. Buff had many friends and acquaintances in the Indiana area. Those who knew him, saw him faithfully walking throughout town for many years.

He grew up in Grapeville where his school years were spent in the Jeanette area. In 1939 he graduated from Jeanette H.S. where he had acquired the nickname, Buff. While a senior on the football team, he played against arch-rival Ambridge H.S. where he met his life-long friend John Kostas. They were roommates and both played football on the Indiana State Teachers College team. In 1943, he put his education on hold to join the USMC , became a D. I. and served his country in the Pacific Theatre, surviving the infamous invasion of Iwo Jima. In 1946 Buff returned ISTC and in 1948 received B.S. Ed. He taught Social Studies and Geography at Portage H.S. and began an illustrious career coaching high school football. In 1950 he married the former Zita Ann Klein. They remained together for 62 years. July 1951 he received certification from Penn State University to teach Health and Physical Education. In 1953 he earned his MS.Ed from the University of Pittsburgh. Buff moved his family in 1954 to Indiana, where he remained until his passing. He taught at Laura Lamar H.S. and was an assistant coach until 1958, when he was named Head Coach. His teams were synonymous with a winning tradition. 1962 and 1963 were special years for the coaching staff and teams. They won back-to-back Western Conference Class B Championships. Also in 1962 he was named Coach of the Year. His Assistant Coaches, John Cippolini, Jack Kotula, Zig Jamison, and Bob Henry were instrumental in developing those teams. He kept a scrapbook, one of his most cherished possessions. Up until his death, his players still referred to him as "Coach".

In 1967 he left teaching and was appointed Postmaster of Indiana, where he remained until his retirement in 1987. During those first few years at the P.O., he also coached the Freshman Football Team at IUP, under Head Coach Chuck Klausing.

Buff was a lifelong Democrat, serving in many capacities for the County Party as well as being a staunch Penn State football fan.

The family would like to acknowledge the remarkable caregivers who lovingly cared for him at home, during the last few years of his life: Debbie Hill, Erika(Sissy) Dedon, Lorna Mauck, Gretchen Anderson, Brandie Barnes and Terri Miles.

Thank you also to IRMC Doctors and Nurses; and to the VNA whose care and concern were immeasurable for Buff and his daughters. Several of his former players would also stop by and help out with jobs around the house. Finally to his great friend, Frank Condino, whose unwavering support will never be forgotten.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 4, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home, Indiana, with a prayer service at 3:45 pm. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 10 am at St. Bernard of Clairveaux Catholic Church with Father Thomas Federline, celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Visiting Nurses Association, 850 Hospital Rd., Medical Arts Builling, Suite 3000, Indiana, PA 15701

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfonzo "Buff" Fanella, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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