Mr. Philip Victor Fanelli, age 81 “Entered into Rest” on Friday, April 18, 2014 at his Hilmar residence.  Mr. Fanelli was born in Los Banos, CA and has lived in for 43 years. He has been a dairyman for 55 years as well owner of the Fanelli Family Dairy in Hilmar. He was very active in the Hilmar community for many years. He was a member of the Calvary Assembly of Hilmar. A member of the American Jersey Cal Club. A Past Board Member of D.H.I.A. A past 4H Leader and worked with 4H kids for over 50 years. He worked with handicapped children for the Special Olympics. He was one of the Founders of Hilmar Cheese and well as Jersey Land Sires. Mr. Fanelli received numerous awards in the Dairy Industry including Citizen of the Year in Hilmar. He was a past Board Member of both Merced and Los Banos County Fairs. He is the Founder of the petting zoos of both Merced and Los Banos County Fairs.  His passion was cows, but had a great love for horses and mules too. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.  Mr. Fanelli is survived by his Wife of 62 years, Nadine Barbara Fanelli of Hilmar; His Three Sons – Vic Fanelli and his wife Robin, Robert Fanelli and his wife Karen and Philip Fanelli and his wife Kris all of Hilmar; His Three Daughters – Denice Cassell and her husband Tom of Clovis, Debra Hunt of Livermore, Terry Hobbs and her husband Calvin of Hobbs, New Mexico; His Brother Ben Fanelli and his wife Shirley of Turlock; His Sister Isabel Nannini and her husband John of San Jose. Mr. Fanelli has 17 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by: His Parents, Sebastian and Mary Fanelli; His Brother, Steve Fanelli and His Great Granddaughter, Payton Fanelli.

Services:  Visitation – Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Chapel, 286 W. Main St., Turlock.  Funeral Service – Friday, April 25th at 10:00 a.m. at Hilmar Covenant Church, 20056 W. American Ave., Hilmar.  Interment – Following the Funeral Service at North Hilmar Cemetery District, 8710 N. Tegner Ave., Hilmar.

Services are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service of Turlock. (209) 634-4904 www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com