OCEAN PINES — Patrick Joseph Fennell, 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at his home in Ocean Pines. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Brennan Fennell in 2009.
Mr. Fennell was born and raised in Washington Heights, N.Y. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School and went on to college on a track scholarship at St. John’s University, in New York. He was the loyal and loving husband to his wife, Peggy, his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life.
He was the devoted father of five children, Kevin Fennell, Jessica Hoopes, Jennifer Fennell, Pamela Jacobs and Patricia Restivo. He adored his grandchildren, Rachael, Patrick, Tommy, Danny, Jessica, Courtney and Nicholas; as well as his sons-in law, Tom, Fred and Mark.
Mr. Fennell was a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, who patriotically served two tours in Vietnam. He worked with the National Security Agency during the Cold War and was trained in Russian and Spanish for specific missions. He was a decorated and distinguished leader, who put serving his country first and made his family proud.
Committed to public service, he did graduate work at American University in city planning and enjoyed a second career as the city manager in Salisbury.
A special project, while in Salisbury, was working with the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, who formed Joseph’s House, a nonprofit charity established to help the poor and homeless.
He also was an active member of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church near Ocean Pines. He took great pride in serving the church as the head usher for the past 20 years.
Mr. Fennell was the patriarch and leader of a great and loving family. He was also a very well respected and cherished member of the community. He will be missed, utterly and completely, by all who knew him.
A service was held Friday May 10, at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. The funeral Mass was at St. John Neumann Church on Saturday, May 11. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Joseph House, 411 N. Poplar Hill Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801. Expressions of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.burbagefuneralhome.com.
Mr. Fennell was born and raised in Washington Heights, N.Y. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School and went on to college on a track scholarship at St. John’s University, in New York. He was the loyal and loving husband to his wife, Peggy, his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life.
He was the devoted father of five children, Kevin Fennell, Jessica Hoopes, Jennifer Fennell, Pamela Jacobs and Patricia Restivo. He adored his grandchildren, Rachael, Patrick, Tommy, Danny, Jessica, Courtney and Nicholas; as well as his sons-in law, Tom, Fred and Mark.
Mr. Fennell was a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, who patriotically served two tours in Vietnam. He worked with the National Security Agency during the Cold War and was trained in Russian and Spanish for specific missions. He was a decorated and distinguished leader, who put serving his country first and made his family proud.
Committed to public service, he did graduate work at American University in city planning and enjoyed a second career as the city manager in Salisbury.
A special project, while in Salisbury, was working with the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, who formed Joseph’s House, a nonprofit charity established to help the poor and homeless.
He also was an active member of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church near Ocean Pines. He took great pride in serving the church as the head usher for the past 20 years.
Mr. Fennell was the patriarch and leader of a great and loving family. He was also a very well respected and cherished member of the community. He will be missed, utterly and completely, by all who knew him.
A service was held Friday May 10, at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. The funeral Mass was at St. John Neumann Church on Saturday, May 11. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Joseph House, 411 N. Poplar Hill Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801. Expressions of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.burbagefuneralhome.com.