Antonio Furino

Antonio Furino, Ph.D., Professor of Economics. After an extended illness, Antonio passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Harriette Furino, at his side on May 17, 2023.

Antonio Francesco Maria Furino was born on May 7, 1931, in the east central area of Rome, Italy, in a building designed by his father, Francesco Furino, architect and civil engineer, practicing in Rome for a construction company owned by his father, Cavalier Antonio Furino, Antonio's grandfather. His mother was Valeria Medori Furino. He was baptized in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. He grew up in Rome with two older sisters, Maria Theresa and Anna Maria.

His very early education was in the classical tradition at the Lyceum Massimo in Rome by the Jesuit order (The Society of Jesus).

He studied Jurisprudence at the University of Rome and Advanced Communications and Media at the Pro Deo University. While pursuing advanced education in Italy, he worked for the Italian movie industry as a freelance dialogue and script writer.

In 1958, Antonio came to the United States and earned an MA and a PhD. in Economics from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. He became a United States citizen in April, 1971.

In 1963, he had appointments at the Sacred Heart Dominican College in Houston, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. In 1970, he returned to San Antonio to direct the Regional Analysis Department of the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG).

In 1973, he joined the graduate studies faculty that created The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) as an associate professor and Director of the Center for Studies in Business, Economics and Human Resources. At UTSA, he received federal funding for the first Human Resource Management and Development Program in south central United States.

In 1976, Dr. Furino was promoted to Full Professor with tenure at UTSA. In 1986, he was named Senior Research Fellow of the Innovation Creativity and Capital (IC2) Institute of The University of Texas in Austin to participate in national and international projects supporting entrepreneurship, startup business, and business development.

In 1987, Dr. Furino transferred to the faculty of the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio as Professor of Economics to create and direct a Center for Studies in Health Economics, later renamed Center for Health Economics and Policy.

In 2006, he retired and came back to work as Research Professor for the UT Health School of Dentistry and the Long School of Medicine on a part-time basis. In April, 2023, he retired from the UT System where he had been a member of the faculty until age of 91. He died at the age of 92 years and 10 days.

Antonio married his wife, Harriette Ann Woody Furino, in May, 1977, in San Antonio, who survives him. Antonio is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Antonio was indeed the “love of my life” for Harriette. They were together as a couple for several years before marriage 46 years ago. She felt he made her life grander and more exciting; he was kind, generous, funny, and driven to make life around them as nice and safe as possible. He introduced Harriette to places and experiences in the world that enhanced her knowledge and goals. “I have always felt his presence everywhere in my life, and that will be sorely missed now.” She felt he encouraged her to be the best person she could be with his love and support.

Being Italian, Antonio had a great respect for the arts, music, history and cultural advancement. He had respect for all people. He enjoyed the full range of excellent Italian food; he preferred fine quality clothing and looked the part; he appreciated high performance cars! He often spoke his native Italian language with others who knew the language.

He thoroughly enjoyed all education, especially the pursuit of higher education. He was dedicated to learning and to teaching. He enjoyed working with the students and other professionals on the faculties he worked in. The field of academics, and Economics specifically, was his perfect match for accomplishments. It is noted that for Italian men, “it is not who you are, but what you do.” Being “professore” was his calling and his true profession.

In describing Antonio, the word often used by friends, acquaintances and family is “gentleman.” He was admired by many for his intelligence and caring approach to life and his work. He helped others during important periods of their lives. He was often a mentor to others he had contact with. His presence was almost always gentle, but sometimes gigantic in his demands on himself and others to make projects and outcomes the best possible.

He was sought out and loved by his many nieces and nephews who turned to “Zio Antonio” for advice on tough life decisions and educational plans. He left the world better than he found it. With love and wonderful memories, we celebrate a special man and a life well lived.

Harriette and Antonio were appreciative for the assistance provided to him during the late stage of his illness. Crest Hospice and AA Care Services were exemplary in their professionalism and caring attitudes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to any of the following:

--Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, 10843 Gulfdale Drive, San Antonio, Texas. 78216

--San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Enrique M. Barrera Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78227

--Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation of San Antonio, P. O. Box 389, Kendalia, Texas 78027

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Furino family.