John A. "Fin" Funaro, 83, of East Haven, died on Oct. 8 after a courageous battle. He was the beloved husband of Joan Murach Funaro. John was born in New Haven on June 13, 1929, son of the late Anthony and Agnes Esposito Funaro. He was a graduate of Wilbur Cross High School and proudly served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was highly decorated. After his honorable discharge, John opened the first Datsun dealership in Connecticut on Whalley Avenue in New Haven. He also owned the 95 Steak House in North Haven, and, until his retirement in 2003, he owned and operated the Yale Auto Body Shop on Crown Street in New Haven. John was a life member of the DAV.

John was a man who made his own way, an entrepreneur all his life. His zest for life will be missed by all who know him.

Besides his loving wife, he is survived by one grandchild, Dana Blanchard of New Haven, and three great-grandchildren, Megan, Michael, and Sara. He is also survived by his sister, Louise Avalone of Branford; his son-in-law, John Meneo of North Branford; a sister-in-law, Gail Bontatibus of Arizona; and special friends, Victor and Joanne, Victor, Jr., Therese, Inge and Jim. He was predeceased by his daughter, Valerie Meneo; his brother, Alphonse Funaro; and a nephew, Kenneth Bontatibus.

His funeral procession will leave the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven, on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 9:30 a.m., for a mass of Christian burial at St. Bernadette Church at 10 a.m.  Burial with military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday, Oct. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the DAV, PO Box 1430, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or to the East Haven Animal Shelter, 183 Commerce St., East Haven, CT 06512. www.clancyfuneralhome.com.