Joseph J. Furci

On Wednesday, November 7, 2018, Joseph J. Furci, 76, passed away at University Hospitals of Cleveland.  Joe was born, raised and lived in Lorain Ohio his entire life.  He was born on January 22, 1942, to Joseph J. and Edith (Cirrone) Furci.

Joe enlisted in the Army on November 14, 1960, and was honorably discharged on November 15, 1962.  Joseph married Candace S. Furci (Smith) on April 25, 1964.  Joe joined the Lorain Fire Department on March 1, 1965, and retired as a Lieutenant on March 20, 1992.  Joe loved the fire service stating, “It’s the greatest job in the world.” Joe had a great career which included letters of commendation from President Jimmy Carter, the Ohio State Senate, the International Association of Firefighters, and Mayor Zahorec, for an act of heroism on September 23, 1978.  

Fire Chief James J. Kallis wrote:

“It is an honor to commend you on your efforts on September 23, 1978.  Risking your Life above and beyond the call of duty, you lowered yourself from a high, smoke-filled, bedroom window, without a hose line, not knowing if the fire had eaten the floor away.  You found and pulled the 60-year-old woman back through the window, saving her life.  This type of action is what firefighting is all about.”

After retirement, Joe loved to golf and spend time with his friends at AMVETS Post 47 where he was a member and former Commander.

He is survived by his son Michael S. Furci and Catherine; daughter, Bernadette M. Allen and Robert; two granddaughters, Corinne and Alex; and sister Toni McPhee.

He was preceded in death by Candace, or Candy as she was known, 22 years earlier, which he admitted to never fully recover from and frequently talked about someday seeing her again.

All services are private.  Christian burial services will be held at St. Peter Cemetery in North Ridgeville, Oh.  Arrangements and funeral services by Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, Lorain, Ohio.  Online condolences may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.

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