Stephen Alan Fornelli
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Stephen Alan Fornelli, 71, passed away at his home in Lawrence, Kansas, on January 5, 2020.
Steve was born on May 10, 1948 in Columbus, KS, son of Anthony D. and Mattie (Patch) Fornelli. Steve moved with his family to Lawrence at age five. He attended schools in Lawrence, KS, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1966. Athletics, Boy Scouts and 4-H were an important part of Steve’s formative years.
He earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University; and worked in Kansas, Colorado and California.
Steve served with the U.S. Army 84th Artillery in Vietnam in 1969.
Survivors include his three brothers: Richard (Linda) Fornelli, Carlsbad, CA; Donald Fornelli, Gary (Debby) Fornelli, both of Lawrence; five nephews, three nieces, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held January 25, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS. Inurnment will be at McKee cemetery, McCune, KS, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s name to Douglas County 4-H Foundation, 2110 Harper Street, Lawrence, KS 66046 and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W.13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I always really liked Steve and his whole family growing up in the India Grade School community. He was smart, kind and athletic and a fierce matchup on the basketball court. He will be missed…
Condolence to Rick, Don, and Gary and Family. Steve to me was my Mentor growing up. Loved all the BB games in 4H with Rick as our coach, along with Boy Scouts. Etc etc
Praying for peace for your family
From an LHS classmate and track teammate, may the family and friends of Steve find peace and happiness in the loving memories.
I have several special memories of Steve. My mom was one of his teachers at India Elementary School so that is how I first met Steve. Plus his older brother, Rick, and my older brother, Paul, were really great friends. In high school Steve and I went to the Beatles Concert at the old municipal stadium in Kansas City in 1964. This was a part of their first tour in the U.S. What a great time! Then, a couple of years later, we went on spring break to the Bahamas in 1967. This trip was sponsored by the K.U. Student Union. Of course we were crammed four to a room and the motel was a couple of miles from the beach. No wonder the trip was so cheap. We finally rented a motorcycle and made it to the beach for one day. Fortunately, the motel had a nice pool. Also, one summer around that same time, Steve taught me to water ski at Lake Perry and I didn’t drown. 🙂
Gary and Family, I am very sorry to read about your brother Steve. I can remember Steve playing Infield for our Slow Pitch Softball Team in the early 1970’s. Sending you my Sympathy. Sincerely , Ed