Horacio Carlos Funes, Sr

Horacio Carlos Funes, Sr, 89, of Dunellen passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at JFK Hospital, Edison. His devoted family was by his side.

Born in his beloved Argentina, he was the son of the late Julian and Estella Funes. After serving in the Argentine Navy, Horacio came to the United States in the mid 1950s. He began his life in the US working as a mason before starting his own successful business H. Funes Masonry in the late 1970s. He established deep roots in the US. However, he never forgot his cherished homeland of Argentina and would go there every year to visit family and friends for as long as he could. When he returned to the US, he would remember home by watching Argentina play soccer, his favorite TV shows, and a glass of Malbec.

Horacio’s true passion in life was the Argentine Tango. He was proud to be considered the “Godfather of Tango” within the NYC tango community. He would diligently bring his delicious homemade alfajores and empanadas that were appreciated and remembered by his countless friends made there. Always dressed impeccably in a suit, he would dance the night away at the milongas (Argentine place to dance), which kept him young at heart for many years. Never one to shy away from taking a risk, he also loved his racehorses and placing bets in the form of casino games and lottery tickets – his favorite gift to receive on any holiday or birthday.

Horacio worked hard for his family and lived a full and long life. Known affectionately as Carlos, Pipop, Dad and Papi, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Aside from his parents, Horacio was predeceased by his adored wife Catalina. His original dancing partner – they are now reunited and dancing in heaven together again.

He was also predeceased by his brother Hector and his sisters Juana Margarita and Lidia Esther. Horacio is survived by his son, Horacio, Jr and his wife Randi-Sue, his daughter Silvina and her husband Mark, his grandchildren – Horacio, III and wife Petria, Amanda and husband Josh,  Frank and wife Rhea, George and Kevin, as well as four great-grandchildren – Owen, Jackson, Catalina and Devin. Horacio is also survived by his sister Marta and by many nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit the family on Saturday, March 27 from 10:00-11:00AM with a funeral service to be held at the funeral home at 10:30AM. Entombment will follow at St. Gertrude's Mausoleum in Colonia. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked in Horacio's name to the charity of your choice.

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