Tony James Funaro
August 18, 1953 - December 24, 2018
Tony James Funaro – born August 18, 1953 to Anthony (Tony) and Marguerite Funaro in Spokane, Washington unexpectedly passed away December 24, 2018 after three months of extraordinary progress following a massive stroke.
Tony was born and raised in Spokane, Washington – he earned an Associate’s Degree in the Culinary Arts from Spokane Community College. If you asked him what his “Specialty” dish was, he would tell you he just washed the dishes for the class!
Tony had various jobs through his career, he worked as a chef for his aunt’s restaurant, warehousemen for the Utah Liquor Commission, he worked the docks for Yellow Freight as a Teamster, a truck driver for Nicholas & Co, a facility journalist for UTA, a heavy equipment mechanic for Komatsu, and finally the “plumbing guy” for Home Depot.
A heartfelt thank you to the Home Depot employee’s incredible effort to contact our family to notify us when Tony failed to show up for work – he was alone at home when he had the stroke. We will be forever grateful.
Tony enjoyed the outdoors (fishing, hiking, 4 wheeling), antique & fast cars, bowling, his grand babies, and was an avid cyclist. He was very proud that he biked to Bridal Veil Falls on his 65th birthday in August.
Tony was proceeded in death by his mother and father, his brother Joe, and his little buddy Kojo. He is survived by his brother Pete, sisters Mary and Fran, son Anthony (Natalie), daughter Eleni, and his two grandsons Gus-Gus and Vinny.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of building. Please share with the family your photos and memories at www.starksfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers please consider donation in Tony’s honor to the Humane Society of Utah or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
In Loving Memory
My condolences to your family. May the promise found at Revelation 21:3-4 give you some comfort for your great loss.
I worked with Tony at Komatsu Equipment for all the years he was with us. He was a funny & cheerful and great at his jobs. Very thorough and detailed. He had a wonderful personality and was always kind and thoughtful toward us girls that walked his yard every day for exercise. Made sure we were safe and out of any danger. I will continue to miss his great smile and his stories.
Rest in peace Tony. Remembering all the fun we had off-roading Richard and Esther
Tina and Leni, I’m so very sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolence to Tina and family. It was a pleasure to have spent time with all of you, I will always remember Tony's wonderful smile. My thoughts are with you. Sue
In Loving Memory
