Fernando G. “Freddy” Falone

FALONE 1939-2016FALONE 1939-2016Fernando G. Falone, age 76, departed us on May 21, 2016. He was born on July 4, 1939 in Abruzzo, Italy, and immigrated to the United States of America in 1956. Freddy was the second oldest of 5 children born to Agostino and Concetta Falone. He is predeceased by his parents, his older brother, Sergio, his younger brother, Gabriele, and his grandson, Charles. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kathleen “Kathy” (nee Kravchak), his children Charles (Rose), John (Jean), Joseph, Jaime Lizarazu (Christian), and Nicole, his 9 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his sisters, Anna Foschi (Nicholas) and Vera Di Valerio (Giuseppe) and his sister-in-law Gilda Falone.Freddy and his family survived World War II in Italy. For economic reasons, shortly after the war, he, his mother and older brother traveled by ship to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, leaving his father, younger brother and sisters in Italy, to pave a new life for the family. They took whatever work they could find and eventually saved enough money to invest in a hoagie shop. Two years later, the rest of the family arrived in Philadelphia. Together they built a hoagie empire, Falone’s Steaks, right in southwest Philadelphia. In the early 1960s, Freddy was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Korea where, appropriately, he cooked for the troops. In his free time there, he became a black belt in Karate. Freddy was honorably discharged. Upon returning stateside, he resumed his place in the family business. Freddy raised his family in Springfield, Delaware County. He was a humble man who put his family first in all matters. He enjoyed his time with all of his children and relished the time with his grandchildren and great-grandchild. His family was a priority even in the last moments of his life. He will be sorely missed by all. Relatives & friends are invited to his Viewing Friday Morning 9-10:30 AM at The D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Anastasia’s Church. Interment will be at S.S. Peter & Paul Cemetery