Col. (Ret.) Pasquale J.
Marinelli
"Pat"

Age 89, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Mon., Feb. 20, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Pat was the first born of four children to Enrico and Clementina (Gambacorta) Marinelli, who immigrated to this great country from Teramo, Abruzzi, Italy.

Pat graduated from St. Peter Grade School and High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary DiSantis, in 1942. Shortly after his marriage, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Just before leaving for Europe, their first daughter was born. During World War II, he served as a tank driver in the 41st Armored Cavalry Squadron of the 11th Armored Division in Patton's Third Army. He saw combat shortly after D-Day, and fought in several major battles in France, Belgium, Germany, and Czechoslovakia, including the Battle of the Bulge and Hoiffalize. He participated in the liberation of Mathausen Concentration Camp. After the end of the hostilities, he served in Eisenhower's Headquarters in Paris, France, until his discharge in late 1945.

He returned from Europe in December, 1945. Over the next ten years, Pat and Mary brought five more children into the family.

In 1948, he joined the Delaware National Guard, including Battery D of the 197th Artillery Battalion, headquartered at the New Castle Armory.

Pat was a lifelong resident of the City of New Castle, Delaware where he was active in City politics. He was elected to City Council 16 times between 1957 and 1999. He also was a lifelong member of St Peter the Apostle Parish. He served several terms on Parish Council and was a Eucharist Minister. He started the CCD Program and was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus.

Pat remained active for all of his 89 years, working and driving his blue 1983 El Camino until his death. A devoted family man and well known for his integrity, Pat will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary, and their six children, Teresa Carucci (Robert), Peggy Anderson (Gene), Henry Marinelli (Patti), Patricia DiEmidio (Thomas), Michael Marinelli, Sr., (Rose), and Andrew Marinelli (Patricia); 12 grandchildren, Gene, Michael J., Nicci, Matthew, Alanna, Mark, Michael G., Tommy Andrea, Danny, Kaitlin, Kelly; and 11 great-grandchildren, Joel, P.J., Gabriella, Josie, Sofia, Jack, Jace, Dominic, Harper, Samantha, Lila Rose; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter R. C. Church, 5th and Harmony Sts., New Castle, DE, on Fri., Feb. 24, at 10:00 am. Friends may call at St. Peter's Church this Thursday evening, Feb. 23, from 5:00-8:00 pm. Interment in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Peter R. C. Church, 521 Harmony St., New Castle, DE 19720, or to Oblates of St. Francis deSales, 2200 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington, DE 19806.

Krienen Funeral Home
302.328.9300
www.delawarefuneral.com