NORWICH – Shirley Funaro, 70, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning May 24, 2007 at her home.
The daughter of Clarence “Joe” and Evelyn (Hill) Ray, Shirley was born in New Berlin on Dec. 30, 1936. She lived most of her life in Norwich and attended the Norwich schools. Shirley was a hard worker who held several different jobs over the years: for the Norwich Knitting Mill, Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals, Shop Vac, and Chenango Memorial Hospital. She had worked as a bartender for several area restaurants, but will be best remembered for the Norwich Grille. When her dad acquired Hill’s Taxi, Shirley would do substitute driving to help him out, and she later worked for many years as a store clerk at Welch’s Food Market on Silver Street. Shirley had a quick wit and a ready smile, and liked to have a good time. She thought the world of her grandchildren and enjoyed the time she spent with them.
Shirley is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Deborah and Richard Scarcella of Chambersburg, Pa., Ann Marie and Geoffrey Oliver of Ft. Mill, S.C., and Kecia and Brian Burton of Norwich; by her grandchildren: Nathan Oliver, and Emerson and Cooper Burton; and her sister, Judy Fryover and husband Richard of Norwich. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and several close friends. Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Leon Ray; her long-time companion, Jim Kolet, and the father of her children, John Funaro.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Private memorial services will be held at the convenience of Shirley’s family, with interment in Fairview Cemetery of New Berlin.
In lieu of flowers, Shirley’s family has suggested contributions to the Norwich Emergency Squad, 31 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815; or to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.