5 day forecast
Fayette County Marine killed in Iraq explosion
Share with others:
A Connellsville Marine was killed in Iraq on Monday after a bomb exploded underneath the Humvee he and two other soldiers were riding in as they rushed to provide support for comrades who were engaged in a gun battle with insurgents.
Private First Class Shelby Feniello, 25, died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the explosion, which tore through the base of the Humvee.
"They just went down the wrong road," said Richard Feniello, his father.
It was Pfc. Feniello's second tour of duty in Iraq. He returned last month after an 11-month leave. An only child, Pfc. Feniello graduated from Connellsville Area High School in 1999 and went on to receive an associate's degree in accounting from Westmoreland County Community College.
He was a wrestler during his years in junior high and played football as well.
Richard Feniello said his son was well-liked and would do whatever he could to help someone in need.
Pfc. Feniello joined the military in 2001 shortly after Sept. 11. His father said his son wanted "to fight the good fight and help get it done."
He said his son often talked about not having adequate armor on the Humvees the soldiers depended on in Iraq. He said Pfc. Feniello was encouraged by the reinforced armor added to the sides of vehicles, but more armor was also needed on the undercarriages.
"He said the Humvees had no protection," his father said. "He didn't like driving them because they didn't have enough underneath protection."
"I feel for everybody still over there," said Mr. Feniello. "Those boys do a lot of good for us."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
First Published October 12, 2006 12:00 am
