Charles Funaro

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

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