Wilbert Marnell

Wilbert Raymond Marnell "Will" died in his home surrounded by his loving family on May 25, 2016 of cancer. He was born on June 19, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was the beloved son of the late Nicholas and Mary Marnell. He was the brother of Joe (deceased), Marie, Edward (deceased), and Jeannie (deceased), father of Michael (deceased), Richard, Linda, Carol, and Frank, grandfather of twelve children, and great grandfather of one. He is survived by his loving wife, Sunta, with whom he was married for 66 years. In 1957 they moved with their two sons from Pittsburgh to Southern California in pursuit of work and better weather. After a short stay in Santa Monica, they purchased a house in Reseda and have lived there ever since. Will was an Army Sergeant in World War II, was an usher at his church for over 60 years, and worked as a pipe fitter for 50 years until he retired in 1984. Gardening was his passion. He founded a community garden and ran it for over 30 years. More recently, he was a very healthy 93-year old who, up until last year, was still driving, working at the garden, and shooting pool almost every day at the local Senior Center. Will loved his family, anything Italian (especially food), the Pittsburgh Steelers, cooking shows, golf, and his church. He would help anyone in need and had a great sense of humor.
Services will be held Thursday, June 2, 2016, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 18115 Sherman Way, Reseda, California. Viewing will be at 9:30 a.m. to be followed by Mass at 10:00. Committal service will follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Disabled American Veterans (dav.org) or Catholic Charities (CatholicCharitiesUSA.org).