Melchor Farne

Melchor Fanugao Farne, age 106, passed away on February 3, 2015, in Chicago, IL. Mel was born on April 10, 1908, in Zambales, Philippines. He is survived by his brother Sebastian, married to Julie (Villarin); 3 beloved children: Rey, a retired surgeon of Mauston, WI, married to Herminia (Marfori); Gloria, a practicing dentist in Benicia, CA, married to Dr. Jacobo Uy; and Jean, a practicing internist in Chicago, IL, married to the late Jesus Jumawan; 7 grandchildren: Daniel of Chicago, IL, married to Grace (Lee); Mignonette of Chicago, IL, married to Walter Broeker; Ruth of Chicago, IL, married to James Perkins; Rachel (Uy) of Fairfield, CA, married to Shane Soffer; Rey Jr. of Medfield, MA, married to Stephanie (Burke); Dr. Jonathan Uy of Benicia, CA, married to Viktoriya (Sergeyeva); and Marcus of Chicago, IL; and 7 great grandchildren: siblings Sierra and Sidney Soffer, siblings Lila and Adam Farne, twin siblings Alexander and Nathan Perkins, and Dylan Farne.

Mel was one of the oldest WWII veterans living in the United States. Wanting to experience adventures in the high seas and the excitement of travel, he joined the U.S. Navy after finishing high school in San Narciso, Zambales. He faithfully served in the Japanese-American war and was honorably discharged from the service in 1957 with a rank of Chief Petty Officer. Mel received the following recognitions while in the Navy: Asiatic Pacific Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Victory Medal, Submarine Combat Insignia (3 gold stars), and Philippine Independence Ribbon. Under the GI Bill, Mel attended the Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines, and earned a degree in banking and finance. He continued to work as a civilian in northern California, until he retired at the age of 62. He worked tirelessly to provide the best education for his children in pursuit of fulfilling the American dream.

Mel married Aurora Fortaleza in Manila, Philippines, in1934. They were married for 54 years. After Mel’s retirement, they settled in the United States and resided in San Francisco, CA; Chicago, IL; Madison, WI; and Des Plaines, IL. After Aurora’s passing in 1988 at the age of 76, Mel resided in Glenview, IL, with his daughter Jean. Still going strong at the age of 92, Mel moved to the Breakers at Edgewater in Chicago, IL, a Senior Independent Living community, near his Chicago grandchildren. He continued to enjoy traveling the world, his grandchildren’s visits, reminiscing about his Navy days, and the Chicago Cubs. Mel deeply missed his wife and spoke of her often. Because of her, his dreams came to fruition. He will always be remembered as an honorable man and proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as family was his most important priority in life.

Friends may honor Mel and visit with the family on Monday, February 9, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. A Memorial Mass, officiated by Fr. Antonio F. Marfori, will follow at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL. A private burial will take place after the services.