Anthony J. Farina
On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, Anthony J. Farina, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away at age 86. Pastor “Tony” formerly served and was a member at Salem United Methodist Church in Fond du Lac.
The oldest child of Joseph A. and Anna (nee Fragale) of Racine, WI, Tony graduated from North Central College in Naperville, IL, and then attended the Evangelical Theological Seminary (now known as Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary). Earning a Master’s Degree, Tony took a first pastorate in 1957 in Germantown, WI, as a clergy serving with the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church. In that same year, he married Lois A. Boynton, of Dixon, IL. Tony and Lois were to celebrate 64 years of marriage on June 8.
Together, Tony and Lois served churches in Germantown, Madison, Fond du Lac, and Monroe, WI. Words that characterized Tony’s ministry were “enthusiasm,” “commitment” and “mission.” His enthusiasm for people and for their spiritual care was contagious. He often preached on what Kingdom life required, and that was willing servants given to the cause of Christ. As well, he championed local and international mission, one of his favorites being the Red Bird Mission of Beverly, KY.
As part of his almost 50 years of service within the Wisconsin Conference, Tony was Conference Secretary for Global Missions for 12 years and was a member of the Board of Global Ministries. He led several groups on international mission trips, and Lois and he often hosted national and international missionaries in their home. In 2009, Tony completed a book entitled, I Must, I Must, I Must, a history of Evangelical Italian immigrant churches in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Tony and Lois raised three children, Stephen (Martha) Farina of West Bend; Ann (Gregg) Schneider of Mequon, and Daniel Farina of Fond du Lac. Tony was preceded in death, by his parents Joseph and Anna, and siblings, Carmen, Mary Jo, and Joseph. His brother David (Linda) Farina is also a retired United Methodist pastor, living in Appleton.
A visitation, memorial service, and reception are planned for Sunday, June 13, 2021 at Salem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan Street in Fond du Lac. A visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm to be followed by the memorial service at 3:00 pm. A reception of cake and ice cream will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers suggested memorials in Tony’s name are encouraged to Salem United Methodist Church, designated to the “Pennies for Panes” project, refurbishing the stained-glass windows in the sanctuary; or, please consider making a donation in Tony’s name to the Red Bird Mission at “http://rbmission.org“.
Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420