Funland mourns co-founder Fasnacht

Al Fasnacht, co-founder of Funland in Rehoboth Beach, has died. He was 96 years old.

The family shared the news on the Boardwalk amusement park’s Facebook page March 23.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing today of Allen ‘Al’ Fasnacht,” reads the message from the Fasnacht family. “For over 60 years, Al was a cornerstone of Funland – not just through his dedication to the park, but through the countless meaningful and lasting connections he built with guests, employees and the community. Al had a truly profound impact on so many people, and he did it quietly, with humility and kindness.”

Fasnacht’s death was not unexpected.

“He passed away peacefully of old age, after a long full life, surrounded by his close family,” said Fiona Curry, a Funland family member, in an email March 24.

Before purchasing Sports Center and renaming it Funland in 1962, Fasnacht and his family owned and operated Willow Mill Park, a weekend picnic park in Mechanicsburg, Pa., starting in 1956. They sold the park in 1967 to focus their attention on Funland. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame in early 2020.

Well into his 90s, Fasnacht could be found in the park painting, cleaning or talking with customers.

“No job was too small, no encounter too brief to merit his attention. He formed lasting bonds that went far beyond a typical greeting; these were genuine connections that meant the world to him and to those whose lives he touched,” said the announcement. “Through his quiet dedication, Al showed us what it means to lead with compassion, hard work and care for others. His lasting legacy will continue to inspire us, and his presence will be deeply missed.”

In a June 2023 interview for The Current, the Gazette’s summer publication, Fasnacht looked back on his experience fondly.

“People tell me I really must like working here because I keep coming back, year after year. They are absolutely right,” said Fasnacht. “There’s great satisfaction to offering family entertainment at a reasonable cost. The volume of business has enabled us to keep costs where they are.”

The Fasnacht family owns the Wilmington Avenue property where the old Royal Treat operated for more than 40 years.

Royal Treat co-owner Scott Fornwalt, who ran the operation with his parents Ed and Doris Fornwalt, and sister Debbie Zentmeyer, said he spoke with the family the day Fascnacht died.

Fasnacht was one of his father’s best friends and was very special to their family, said Fornwalt. He was invested in making the ice cream parlor work, he said.

“[Al] was a wonderful man,” said Fornwalt. “He walked the talk. If we had more people like him in this world, the world would be a better place.”

Funland opens annually on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend, which is about six weeks away.

Curry said the family hasn’t thought about this summer yet, but Fasnacht will definitely be honored in some way.