Suffield Obituary: Francis Aniello, 63

Francis J. Aniello, Jr, 63, of Windsor Locks and Windsor, beloved husband of Debra (Bourette) Aniello, died Sunday October 18, 2015 at home.

Known as “Frannie” to his friends, he was born in Hartford and moved to Windsor Locks at a young age. Fran excelled in athletics and was the centerfielder for the 1965 Windsor Locks Little League World Champs. He lettered in varsity soccer, basketball and baseball while at WLHS from 1967-1970. Fran graduated from Springfield College, where he played basketball, most notably against Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Fran went on to receive his Master’s Degree from St. Joseph’s College in Hartford.

Shortly after graduation, Fran took a teaching job at Suffield High School in 1976. While at Suffield, Fran taught Physical Education, Life Education, and was a member of the Student Assistance Team. He was the athletic director for many years, coached girls soccer, baseball, boy’s varsity golf for over 20 years and coached boy’s varsity basketball for over 33 years. He was named Connecticut High School Coach of the Year in 2002. He led the Wildcats to two Class S state titles, thirteen league titles and when he retired from coaching in 2006, he retired as Suffield’s “most winning “ coach with a record of 360 wins.

Fran was an unassuming man, who never wanted the spotlight nor the accolades. What he wanted most was to make sure that people around him were happy. Fran was most proud of his children, Kelly and Danny and of the wonderful, kind, successful adults they grew to be. Fran leaves behind countless friends and family who will always remember his quick Irish wit and his nurturing Italian way.

Fran leaves behind to mourn this larger than life man, his wife of 39 years, Deb; daughter Kelly Ross, husband Michael and grandson Jackson; son Daniel Francis Aniello and his husband Stefan Miller; brother William Aniello, his wife Michele (Morel) and their three sons Wes, Nick and Tony and their families; closest friends Paul Harvey and Bob Cecchini and so many, many more.

The family would like to thank the team of doctors who so skillfully worked their magic to give us so many extra years with Fran: Drs. Chawla, Sappington, Silver and Ian Kleinhen.

Calling Hours will be Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 4-7pm at Carmon’s Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor. Burial will be private.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the Windsor Locks Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 653, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 or The Suffield High School Athletic Scholarship Fund, 1060 Sheldon St., West Suffield, CT 06093.