Obituary of J. Peter Fennell, Sr.

Pete, age 93 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Nursing Facility.  Pete was born and raised in Elmira, a son of Matthias and Catherine (Shields) Fennell.  He is predeceased by his wife of 49 years Susan (Wisnoski) Fennell, brother and sister-in-law Matthias “Matt” and Ann Fennell, and sister Kathleen “Sis” Fennell.

He is survived by his three sons, with their families, J. Peter Fennell, Jr. of Dewitt NY with daughter Jacqueline (Justin) Lad, and son Brian, both of Syracuse NY…Martin and Laura Fennell of Elmira with children, Elizabeth (Conor) Everett of Elmira, Charles (Victoria) of Asbury Park NJ, Susan Anne of NYC, and Meredith of Elmira, with fiancé Chris Coghlan…Thomas and Deborah Fennell of Elmira, with children, Catherine of Queens NY and son Kevin (Michelle) of Elmira with their son Colin.

Pete grew up on Elmira’s Eastside, attended Ss. Peter & Paul School, then Elmira Catholic High.  He continued his education at St. Bonaventure University, graduating in 1953.  He served in the U S Army from 1953-1955 at Fort Riley, Kansas.  Upon his discharge from the military, he settled in Syracuse NY where he met the love of his life Susan Wisnoski.  They married on December 27, 1958.  After several years in Syracuse they relocated, with their three boys, to Elmira.  Pete was in the insurance business, eventually becoming the president of Perry and Swartwood Insurance, a position he held for over 30 years.  Pete was very active in the community….he was Chairman of the Board of St. Joseph’s Hospital, President of St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, Chairman of the local American Red Cross, Chairman of the Chemung County Planning Board, Chemung County Republican Party committee chairman, NYS delegate for the 1976 Republican Convention, served on St. Bonaventure President’s Council, and was a volunteer with the United Way, Corning Classic and St. Patrick’s Church Parish Council.  He was also a volunteer at many local charities and events.  Pete was proud of his Irish heritage and had a strong love of Ireland where his father was born.  He was a 50-year member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a devout, life-long communicant of St. Patrick’s Church.

Pete and Sue spent summers at Keuka Lake with family and friends, enjoying many wonderful times.  He also enjoyed long time memberships with both the Elmira Country Club and Elmira City Club.

Friends are invited to Pete’s Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira.  A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic).  Interment, with committal prayers and military honors, will then take place at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Those wishing may remember Pete with a donation to St. Joseph’s Hospital, through the Arnot Health Foundation, 571 St. Joseph’s Boulevard, Elmira Medical Arts Center – Suite 102, Elmira NY 14901.