(April 21, 1903 – June 11, 2005)
Published in the Hazleton Standard Speaker, June 13, 2005.
Ann G. NcNelis
Ann G. McNelis passed away Saturday afternoon at the age of 103 at her home of 117 Hilltop Road, Hazleton.
Born in Tyrol, Austria, she was the daughter of the late Damiano and Olivia [Oliva] (Zambotti) Genetti.
As a child, she moved to the United States with her parents. The family settled in Hazleton.
Ann started as a bookkeeper for the former Genetti Market. After her marriage to James J. McNelis, they founded and operated City General Tire, located in Hazleton on Chestnut and Laurel streets. In addition to tire sales, they had a large recapping plant for heavy equipment and automobiles. Upon her husband’s death, she continued to operate the business. At one time, Ann was the only female tire dealer in the United States. She sold her company to General Tire in the late 1960’s.
Ann lived in her home on her own, until she was 100 years old.
She was a member of St. Gabriel’s Church, a past president of the former Soroptomist Club, and a member of the Hazleton Art League.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James J. McNelis, in 1953; and the following brothers and sisters: Leon Genetti, Dora Bott, Tillie Zambotti, Gus Genetti, Albert Genetti, Ester Genetti, Erma Branz and Stanley Genetti.
Ann was the last surviving member of her family.
She is survived by her loving and devoted son, J. Donald McNelis, of Lakewood, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Gabriel’s Church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
The Genetti Family Genealogy Project 