Peter Samuel Faraone, 89, of Coloma, Michigan, passed away peacefully, Friday, December 22, 2017 at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date in the spring.
‘Pete’ was born September 25, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ignatius and Rosa Faraone. His parents and sister arrived in the United States from Sicily through Ellis Island. When Pete was a young boy, his family moved to Coloma, Michigan, where they began a new life as farmers. He loved farming and had a passion for planting, growing and nurturing all things green.
Pete proudly served in the United States Army, Bravo Company, during the Korean War, earning the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. In 1951, he married Beverly Jean Seel and together they had three children. Once home from the war, Pete began working at the Whirlpool Corporation until suffering a debilitating back injury. He then became manager of The American Legion Post 105, Benton Harbor, from 1960 to 1971. In 1971 he left the ‘legion’ to become a partner and manager of the Dog Patch Bar in Sodus.
Throughout his life, Pete had many interests and hobbies, from managing the American Legion Post 105 men’s softball team to a state championship to coaching his children’s sports teams and traveling to nearly every corner of the United States. One place in particular was like a second home, New Orleans. There he would often visit his beloved cousins, the Christina’s and the DeMatteo’s whom he loved very much. In his later years, Pete took great pleasure in just sitting on his deck and looking out over his property marveling at nature. Pete also loved to cook, often taking over the kitchen at Babe’s Lounge serving up his favorite Italian dishes. But his greatest passion was his family; he especially adored his great-grandchildren who gave him endless joy.
Pete was a prolific storyteller and could keep you engaged for hours. His sense of humor was surpassed by none. No one was a stranger to Pete; he would literally give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar if there was a need. He leaves a legacy of love, compassion, and a deep understanding of the human condition.
Pete is survived by daughter, Julie (John) Weber, son, Jeffrey (Shelley) Faraone, grandchildren, Andrew (Tandy) Ulleg, Adam (Amanda) Faraone, Kaitlyn Faraone, Tyler Faraone, Laine Faraone (Ryan), and Kamrynn and Shawn Weber; great-grandchildren, Andrew II, Jaxon, Willa, Isabella, Grace, and Harper; nieces, Rosemarie Faraone, Theresann (Dave) Seeger, Patti Faraone Pike, and nephew, Michael Faraone, sisters, Janet Moran and Evon Strzynski. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jim, brother, Vince, sister, Virginia, and sister-in-law, Connie.
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to those at Hanson Hospice Center and Pine Ridge who so lovingly cared for Pete during his five month journey home.
Memorials in Pete’s honor may be made to Hospice at Home, St. Joseph, MI or the VFW, Watervliet, MI.
“Alla Salute’” to an amazing human being who lived life to the absolute fullest.