Anthony Farina

Anthony Joseph Farina, age 97, resident of Albuquerque, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Gloria Farina; son, Joseph and wife, Suellen Farina of Houston, TX; daughter, Helena McMullen and husband, Mike of Albuquerque; and his grandchildren, Kenneth Miller, Lauren McMullen, Alec McMullen of Albuquerque; and Joey Farina of Houston, TX; many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Anthony was preceded in death by his younger brother, Jerry Farina; and his parents, George and Anna. Anthony was a veteran of the Second World War, where he held the rank of First Class Petty Officer as a barber in the Navy. Before his deployment to the South Pacific, Anthony's unit passed through Albuquerque. He said that if he made it out of the war alive that this is where he would live. He moved here in 1947 and became a prominent member of John XXIII Catholic Community and Restoration Ministries. He was a successful entrepreneur, founding the Hollywood Beauty Schools in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Gallup in 1952. He was highly involved with the Local, State, and National Beauty School Owners' Associations; and was inducted into the Hairdressers Hall Of Fame along with only three other individuals. He was a lifelong member of the Elks Club, a true Christian believer, and a Brother in Christ. He looked forward to his Annual New Year's Fellowship, a bond that was held for over 25 years. His favorite saying was, "Be obedient to the Lord." Anthony was active in all of his grandchildren's sports, and there was always a seat reserved for him at softball, baseball, basketball, football, and golf. He enjoyed dancing with Gloria until he was 92 years old, exercising, playing cards, bingo, singing, praising the Lord, and having lunches with the Romeo Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Anthony's famous last words were "Glo?!?!" His Family would like to thank the Hospice staff for their loving care and extra support as well as the staff and caregivers at Brookdale. A Celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. at FRENCH- Wyoming. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.