Charles Funaro
January 18, 2012
Charles D. Funaro, 90, passed from this life on January 18, 2012, at Edgewater in West Des Moines. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2012, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, on Sunday, January 22, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 7 pm.
Charlie was born in Des Moines on July 24, 1921, to Catherina and Michael Funaro, who immigrated to the United States from Terravecchia, Italy. As a boy, Charlie worked with his parents and siblings at the family grocery store, and as a teenager, played the accordion in his father’s tavern on Hubbell Avenue on Des Moines’ east side. He graduated from East High School in 1939 and then volunteered for the U.S. Army, serving in France and Germany in the 14th Armored Division during World War II. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
After the war, Charlie attended Drake University, where he earned both undergraduate and law degrees. He began practicing law in 1951, and remained engaged in private practice for 55 years until his retirement in 2006.
After meeting her at the Polk County Court House, Charlie married Louise Fontanini in 1956. Together, they raised four daughters. They were long-time members of St. Peter Catholic Church, where Charlie served on the Parish Council for many years. He also served on the Dowling Board of Education; was a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, the Knights of Columbus and the East Des Moines Club; was active in Democratic politics; and was an avid gardener.
Charlie was deeply committed to his religion, his family and the law. He was a wonderful role model to his daughters, showing compassion for others, stressing the importance of education and hard work, and always doing the right thing. He was beloved by his clients for his good counsel, honesty, and fairness. He was extremely proud of his Italian heritage and was a fiercely loyal east-sider, fondly referring to it as “God’s country” until the end.
Charlie was a wonderful husband, father, friend, and colleague. We will forever miss his congenial presence, kindness, generosity, and clever sense of humor.
If asked, Charlie would have said that his greatest love was his family. Left to honor his memory are his wife, Louise; his daughters, Michelle (Edward) Jaselskis and granddaughter, Sophia, of Raleigh, NC; Caroline Funaro (Drew Gordon) and grandchildren, Gabrielle and Anthony, of Urbandale; Patricia Funaro of West Des Moines; and Janette Funaro (Jared Satz) of Kansas City, MO; sisters, Mary Gabriel and Michaela Funaro; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Samuel and Frank.
The family wishes to thank the ICU staff at Mercy Hospital West Lakes and the staffs at Edgewater and WesleyLife Hospice for their care and support.
Memorial gifts may be sent to St. Theresa Catholic Church, or the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, 1961 Indianola Avenue, Des Moines, in Charlie’s name.
Fatti coraggio, Charlie! Sta bene!
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bernard "Bernie" Wert
07/24/2012
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Funaro family at this time of sorrow and loss. Although the miles are great, and the time we've been apart has been long, are hearts are forever close to you all!
The Werts - Bernie & Dee Dee
Bill and Eva Horstman
01/24/2012
To the family of Charley Funaro,
Charley was such a pleasure to work with over these many years. He was so sincere and helpful and seem to know so much about everything. May God be with you in your loss!!
Meg Kinnetz
01/23/2012
Patty and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. It was truly my joy and pleasure to care for him in the ICU. I know that he was very ill for a period of time but his vibrant and steadfast personality was shining trough every interaction. I foundly remember him speaking italian to me and telling me about his past. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Meg Kinnetz
Mrs. Ron Bartlett (Lois)
01/22/2012
Our sympathy goes to the family of Charles Funaro.....we know this is a sad time for all of you and hope memories help brighten your days in the future.
Life gives us smiies, tears and memories. Smiles fade, tears dry up, but memories are ours to keep. We didn't know your folks so long, but they were good neighborts while they lived next door. The Bartlett's
Dean and Joann Kron
01/22/2012
Michelle, we are very sorry to hear the loss of your father. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Lippert Families
01/22/2012
Our hearts go out to the family in this time of sorrow. In the early 1980's when Charlie helped my family with our first Real Estate matter, I knew from that point going forward that he was a gentleman to work with and one that could be trusted. The East Side will miss Charlie!
Gay Emerson Ross
01/22/2012
Dear Louise,
I am saddened to read about Charlie. He was an outstanding man who contributed
so much to the Des Moines community and to our country. As a husband, father, friend, and neighbor to my mom and dad for so many years, he was exceptional.
Please accept my condolences to you and your wonderful family.
I regret that I am not in town to personally pay my respects,
but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Gay Emerson Ross
JoAnn Lumley
01/22/2012
My sympathy to the family of Charles Funaro. He was an enormous help to me in administering my mother's estate. The amount of the estate was modest, and the distribution rather complicated. Charlie was kind and gracious and became a trusted friend during that process.
The Hawthorne Family
01/20/2012
We are all deeply saddened to hear of Charlie's passing. He was so kind, gentle and loving. He made Evelyn feel like "one of his girls" during our years in Iowa. May God bless all who mourn him, as He blessed them by making Charlie a part of their lives.
With deepest sympathies,
Evelyn, Michael, Christopher and Rebecca Hawthorne