Edmund Faranski

Edmund Faranski, aged 89, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday morning, November 22, 2013. He was the loving husband for 60 years of Betty Faranski and devoted father of Kathleen Faranski (Mier), Mary and John Hackett, Susan and John Burke, and Amy and Jeff Jager. Edmund will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Rebecca, Laura and Eric Mier, James and Joseph Hackett, Morgan and Erin Burke, and Sarah and Adam Jager. Edmund joins in Heaven his beloved son Tom, parents Vincent and Helen, and sister Joan Pomper. Edmund was born and lived all of his life on the West Side of Grand Rapids. He attended St. Adalbert’s School, where he delivered his valedictory address in Polish, his native language. He went on to attend Davis Tech for high school, before being drafted into the Army. Edmund served proudly in World War II in the Army Corps of Engineers, stationed in the Pacific theatre. He attended the University of Michigan where he graduated with degrees in Math and Physics. He spent his entire professional career as an engineer with Lear Siegler/Smiths Industries (now GE Aviation), where he was instrumental in early rocket development, the original Mercury and Gemini space programs, and the Apollo program, working on the lunar landing and lunar excursion modules. Edmund also served as both Treasurer and President of the Lear Siegler Credit Union (now DFCU). Along with his wife Betty, Edmund participated in the founding of Lincoln School for the developmentally disabled, as well as the Guardian Angel Homes on behalf of their son Tom. Edmund was a long-time parishioner of St. James Catholic Church. He also volunteered with the Friends of the West Side Library. Edmund was very proud of his Polish heritage. He loved to be surrounded by his family and especially his grandchildren. He was at the center of all holiday celebrations, and particularly liked to carve pumpkins at Halloween and cut down and decorate the family Christmas tree. He was a master of the written and spoken English language, known at work as “the man with the golden pen.” The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care given by the entire staff at St. Ann’s Home as well as Faith Hospice. His family will receive visitors at Arsulowicz Brothers West Chapel, 585 Stocking NW, on Sunday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to8 pm. The Rosary will be prayed on Sunday at 7 pm. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 25 at 10 am at St. James Catholic Church, 733 Bridge St. NW, where he will repose one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Edmund’s honor to either St. Ann’s Home or Hope Network.

Tributes

Edmund Faranski

October 5, 1924 - November 22, 2013