Br. Carmine Funaro, OFM Cap.

He was born James Jr. in Brooklyn, NY, and in addition to his father, James Funaro Sr. and his mother, Carolina Sicignano, his family consisted of his two brothers and three sisters. Br. Carmine was predeceased by his sister Angelina Fortunato and his brother Anthony Funaro. He is survived by his sister, Amelia Dalla Torre of Staten Island, NY, his brother, Joseph Funaro of Sarasota, FL, and his sister Anna Moriarty of Freehold, NJ. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In order to assist his family, James withdrew from school at the age of sixteen to work full-time. Consequently, he learned the importance of sacrifice and hard work, to which he stayed faithful his whole life. Always deeply spiritual, he sought advice about entering religious life. Strongly encouraged and highly recommended, James entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order on October 3rd, 1965 at St. Pius X Church in Middletown CT, receiving the name Carmine, in honor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to whom he dedicated his religious life. Br. Carmine professed his perpetual vows on December 12th, 1971.

What followed was over fifty years of dedicated service, first to his fellow Capuchins as cook, tailor and then in the training of younger brothers in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Br. Carmine continued to inspire countless parishioners in Capuchin parishes in New Paltz, NY, Portland, ME, East Harlem, NY and Interlaken, NY. While serving in St. Joseph's Parish he initiated a program entitled, "Families Together" whereby families would gather weekly for games, spiritual reflections, and refreshments. Many of those families would then gather to spend their summer vacations together in the Capuchin friary on Lake Cayuga, NY. Br. Carmine was well loved by the many people he served throughout the course of his years in ministry.

During his retirement at St. Clare's friary in Yonkers, NY, Brother continued doing what he did so well ... welcoming people at the friary door and attending in his quiet way to each person and need presented. Throughout these years, Br. Carmine continued to develop his talent as an artist, creating portraits of friends, sports figures, and saints. He was deeply spiritual, gentle, sincere and humble; a true follower of Jesus, St. Francis and she whom he revered so deeply, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. May he rest in their presence forever.

Donations in Br. Carmine’s name can be made out to the Province of St. Mary and sent to the Capuchin Development Office at 110 Shonnard Pl., Yonkers, NY 10703 or can made online at capuchin.org/support.

Wake and Funeral at Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703. Wake begins at 9:45 a.m. with funeral to follow at 11 a.m.