MISHAWAKA – Frank Joseph Furfaro, formerly of Mishawaka, passed away at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, in the comfort of his home with his wife at his side.
Frank was born on May 22, 1924, in Gerace, Calabria, Italy, to Teresa Campiti and Dominic Anthony Furfaro. In 1928 he, his mother and sister Angie joined his father in Elkhart. His siblings always loved and got along with each other. He had an aunt, Mary Serifino, and uncle, Joe Campiti, in Elkhart also.
He graduated from St. Vincent grade school and attended Elkhart public schools until Pearl Harbor. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Feb. 13, 1943, and served as a diesel mechanic in World War II. He attained the rank of motor machinist mate 1st class and served on the island of Tinian and was honorably discharged on February 1, 1946.
He worked at Simon Brothers in South Bend for 29 years and retired on June 30, 1983.
Frank married Kay White Hepler on March 18, 1983, in Bremen. After retirement he and his wife worked together for 10 years. They enjoyed traveling to machine knitting seminars all over the country, where she taught and he sold her books.
Frank enjoyed cooking, especially making the dishes his mother had made, working in his yard, crossword puzzles, reading, listening to music and watching documentaries on TV. He very much enjoyed getting together with his extended family. In his later years he enjoyed eating lunch every day with friends. He enjoyed laughing at jokes and would try to give others something to laugh about.
Along with his wife, Kay, he is survived by his two daughters, Jeannie Hickman of Elkhart and Carol Ryan (Jim Freeman) of Freeland, Wash.; four grandchildren: Crystal Ryan and Danielle Bragen of Las Vegas, Nev.; Brittney Cannon of Fort Wayne; and Joe Gerber; three great-grandchildren: Malia and Ariana Bragen, Las Vegas, and Braden Cannon of Huntingtion; three sisters-in-law: Jane Furfaro, Elkhart; Mary Ann Bules, Etna Green; and Lauretta (Susie) Holderread, Fishers; three stepdaughters: Cindy Cortez (Craig Krutra) of Katy, Texas; and Sherri Hepler and Pastor Lois (Ron) Cannon of Huntington; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his previous wife, Blanch; daughter, Linda Plummer; two brothers, James and Tony; two sisters, Angie Cataldo and Mary Vanator; grandson, Christopher Plummer; and stepson, Dennis Helper.
Friends may visit with the family from 10 to 11 a.m. today, Jan. 12, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Lois Cannon officiating.
As per his wishes cremation is to take place, with burial to be at the Etna Green Township Cemetery.
