MANNELLA, FRANCIS J.

MANNELLA, FRANCIS J., 95, of Cape May, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Frank was born in Philadelphia, where he resided before moving to Cape May in 1972, after summering here for many years. He graduated from Overbrook High School and in 1940 earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Frank worked for the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone, PA for 25 years where he performed inspection and test of locomotives, and aided in tank production during World War II. Later Frank worked for Catalytic Incorporated in Center City, Philadelphia, where he helped pioneer the development of key processes used in the construction of nuclear power plants. After he retired from Catalytic in 1986, Frank served on the Cape May Planning Board for seven years. Frank was a former Boy Scout Leader; a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Cape May, and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved fishing and fine woodworking, and enthusiastically taught either to anyone who showed an interest. He is predeceased by his wife, Catherine; daughter, Frances O’Brien; brother, John; and two sisters, Angela Balogh and Julia Unger. Frank will be dearly missed by his family which includes his son, Fiore Mannella; sister, Lucille (and Joseph) Fusco; three grandchildren, Erin (and Ryan) Root, Samuel and Catherine O’Brien; three great- grandchildren, Levi, Kian and Lila; also many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Visitation will be Sunday in the Spilker Funeral Home, 815 Washington St., Cape May from 2PM to 4PM, and again Monday from 10:30AM 12 noon in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the Monday viewing at 12:30PM in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 525 Washington St., Cape May. Interment will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of your choice. Info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com