- December 4, 2025
Joseph Funaro passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, surrounded by his family after succumbing to a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam almost 60 years ago. He was 82.
Joe was born in Yonkers, New York to Anthony and Lillian Funaro on November 22, 1942, the oldest of three brothers. He graduated from Stepinac High School and Iona College.
In 1966 Joe was drafted by the Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He served proudly, only to have come home to less than favorable conditions back in the states. He taught his family to always say, “Welcome home!” upon meeting a Vietnam veteran.
Prior to joining the Army, Joe met the love of his life, Jacquelyn Gallagher in Gimbles department store in NY. They corresponded while he was in Vietnam. On June 6, 1970, Joe and Jacquie married in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They eventually had three daughters who were his pride and joy.
In 1982, the family relocated from Long Island, NY to the suburbs of Chicago where Joe became a die-hard Chicago Bears fan. He loved his Bears through thick and thin and always held out hope for another Super Bowl win.
In 2001, Joe and Jacquie moved to Palm Coast, Florida where he lived for the remainder of his life. He was retired from a career with Allstate, but went back to work with the Census Bureau, a job he loved that filled his passion for meeting people.
Joe was known for his kindness, positivity and quirky wit - the king of “dad jokes”. He made friends wherever he went, connecting with strangers and leaving a lasting impression. He was proud of his Italian heritage and his warm hospitality reflected that as he always offered food to guests. You were instantly family after visiting the Funaro home.
Music underscored Joe’s life. He loved singing harmony with his beautiful voice, and creating mix tapes, CDs and playlists. He challenged himself to name the artist, song and year the song came out.
Another creative outlet was his journaling and poetry. Each holiday and momentous occasion, Joe wrote a poem. He leaves behind years of journals for his family to keep his memory alive.
Joe was a family man who always put his wife and daughters first. There was never any doubt about his deep love for his girls. As a close-knit family, they enjoyed many family vacations, Joe’s unique culinary adventures, loud holiday gatherings, hours of laughter and unlimited love. He adored his grandchildren and had a deep bond with them even serving as the officiant for his granddaughter’s wedding, which was one of life’s highlights for him.
First and foremost, Joe was a strong man of faith. He lived his life in a way that one could not help but believe there is a God. And in the end, he was whispering to his Savior, ready to be welcomed home. He will be deeply missed by those he left behind, but his memory and love will live in their hearts forever.
Joe is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Jacquie, his daughters, Lisa Funaro (Steven Hoggle) of Florida, Marissa Funaro (Andy Read) of Longmont, Colorado, Megan Funaro of Palm Coast, Florida, beloved grandchildren Jordan Miller of Chicago, IL, Riley (Matt) Cannizzo of Florida, Noah Read, great-grandson Gio Cannizzo, brothers Dr. Robert (Christine) Funaro of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tony (Donna) Funaro of New York, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
We love you always. Thank you for setting the example.
EIEIO
CONVIVIO
GO BEARS!
