Michael Joseph Furillo, 86, of Garrettsville, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 following a rewarding, beautiful life. He was born April 25, 1928 in Sharon, PA to Salvatore and Mary (Moderella) Furillo.
He graduated from Brookfield High School and served his country honorably in the U.S. Army in Japan, following WWII. Michael earned a BS Degree from Kent State University and a MA from Columbia University. He was a Phi Delta Theta pledge master. Michael married his wife of 56 years, Mary (Beard) Furillo in 1960. He taught science and biology from 1953 to 1964 at James A Garfield High School and at West Geauga High School from 1964 to 1987. He also worked for Don DeHaven’s ambulance company and Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home for many years.
Michael was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Garrettsville, where he gave of his time and talents as a lector, A CCD teacher, a member of the festival dinner committee, and as grounds-keeper. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a boy scout leader, a red cross volunteer, and former President of the Garrettsville Kiwanis. He was a member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Geauga County Retired Teachers Association and the PTA.
His hobbies included woodworking, creating wood products to sell for Furillo Wood Crafts for 25 years. He also enjoyed gardening, collecting coins and stamps, ERTLE car models, and depression glass. While his favorite place was “home” he traveled extensively to Italy, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Czech Republic, cruises to the Mediterranean and Hawaii, and much of the USA. He considered his happy marriage and raising their four children significant accomplishments in his life. He was his family’s “Superman!”
He is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Michael (Marty) of Garrettsville; Robert (Maritza) of Baltimore, OH; Kerry Jo (Keith) Bauer of Acton, CA and Kimberly (Raymond) Stone of Ravenna; grandchildren, Matthew Furillo of Pittsburgh, Ashley Memendez of Miami, FL, Amber Furillo of Kent, Kendall Bauer and Kelsey Bauer, both of Acton, CA, Samuel Furillo and Joshua Furillo both of Baltimore, OH; and a sister, Rita Massaro of Niles.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Phyllis Palumbo, Kathryn Serban, and Josephine Jones.
Calling hours are 4-8 PM on Friday, November 14, 2014 and 9:30- 10:30 AM on Saturday at Carlson Funeral Home, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 10692 Freedom St., Garrettsville, OH 44231.
Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s name to a charity of your choice.