It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Philip A. Cianelli, Sr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, who peacefully left this world on January 27, 2025, at the age of 92. Phil was born on September 7, 1932, in Havre de Grace, MD, to the late Bernardo and Frances (Casimo) Cianelli. He grew up in Havre de Grace, MD at the corner of Rt.155 and Juniata St. where family and neighbors played bocce and drank homemade wine. He was a star football player in high school and earned the nickname "Shu-Shu Cianelli". After high school he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed in Alaska, where he made many friends playing football, some of whom went on to play pro ball. He was invited to try out for the Chicago Bears but decided to return home. His first jobs were painting the Delaware Memorial Bridge and working at Mt. Ararat milk farm. As a well-respected member of the construction industry, he retired from civil service at Aberdeen Proving Ground as a carpenter supervisor. He was not only a dedicated worker but a jack of all trades. He enjoyed vacationing with family and traveling south in the winter, often enjoying time in the warm weather of Florida while exploring the Gulf Coast.
Phil had a deep-seated love for his hometown of Havre de Grace and in his later years often spent peaceful Sunday drives reminiscing about the many memories he made there.
Above all, Phil found the greatest joy in being with his family. He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Doris Cianelli (nee Gallion), and their children—Linda C. West (Gene), Susan Kuehn (Rick), Philip "Phil" Cianelli, Jr. (Rose), Judie Mathis (Tommy Hren), and Joseph "Joe" Cianelli (Ellen). His legacy continues through his grandchildren— Eugene "Bubba" J. West, III (Lorraine), Hannah Maucere (Chris), Mallory Kuehn, Jaclyn Schaffer (Cory), Steven Kuehn, Louis Cianelli (Jill), Nicholas Cianelli (Brooke), Jenna Wilkinson (Mason), Daniel Mathis (Beth), Gregory Mathis (Tatiana), Jeffrey Mathis, Kevin Mathis, Bennett Cianelli and Caris Cianelli, as well as his great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life: Eugene "Beau" J. West, IV, Airabella West, Rocky Walker, Cayla Wicker, Avery "Ava" Schaffer, Carmen, Vincenzo, and Layla Cianelli, Mason, Leo, Sullivan, Malachi, Giovanni and Ezekiel Mathis. He is also survived by brother Anthony "Tony" Cianelli and sister Louise Silsby (Graham) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and life-long friends. He was predeceased by siblings Perena "Sis" Cianelli-Fair, Carmen "Camy" Cianelli, Matilda "Mitty" Wagoner, and Mary Kalmbacher.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 927 Pulaski Hwy, Havre de Grace, MD 21078, where friends and family are invited to pay their respects.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church 615 Congress Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD. Interment will be at Harford Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen, MD.
May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories of a life well-lived. Messages of condolences and memories to share may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com