Local Leader is Laid to Rest

Usually when people attend funerals there is a somber tone that creates tension that could be cut with a knife. But this was not the case at Our Lady of Pompei Church late Monday morning where Armond Magnerelli's funeral was held.

Magnarelli's impact was obvious as cars lined the streets, squeezing into any spot available, so that mourners could pay their respects to this well know, well respected public figure.

Armond Magnarelli was a radio personality for WFBL and from 1979 until 1985 he served six years as Syracuse's Common Council president. But one of Magnarelli's pastimes that some knew him for was his acting with the Pompeian Players.

Syracuse resident Dick Mancini knew Magnarelli for fifty years as a fellow Pompeian Player and said, "We did lots of shows together. One specifically that I remember was My Fair Lady where he was Alfie Doolittle, and I was his sidekick."

Mancini went on to say that Magnarelli was an amazing performer with great timing and natural ability.

Mancini also said that he looked at Magnarelli as a mentor since he had known him since he was a child. He said that Magnarelli taught him and the other children how to be better performers once they hit the stage. And his final sentiment was this, "It was great. He was a great guy, and I'll miss him."

Local leader Armond Magnarelli died last Friday after having suffered a stroke. He was 83 years old.