Gerald (Jerry) Arthur (Art) Faben passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 after a long battle with prostate cancer at home surrounded by his family. Jerry - also known as Art by his childhood family and friends - was born March 10, 1938 in Ithaca, NY. He was the son of Michael and Anna (Lucas) Faben. Although a US citizen, his dad emigrated from Czechoslovakia (where he grew up) and his mom was a first generation Polish American. He loved his mom’s home cooking of halupkis, kapusta, and pierogies. He was proud of his Eastern European heritage.
Jerry attended Immaculate Conception School from grades 1 – 8. He graduated from Ithaca High School and attended Ithaca College (when it was located in downtown Ithaca at the time!) where he received a degree in Business Management in 1959.
He was hired right out of college at the Ithaca Savings Bank, which became The Savings Bank of Tompkins County, then Citizens Savings Bank. He worked his way up to Treasurer/Comptroller. After 25 years at Citizens Savings Bank, he left the bank proper and worked for a subsidiary – American Home Funding – until they left the area. He ended his banking career in 2001 as the Treasurer/Comptroller for Cornell Federal Credit Union.
It was while working at the Savings Bank that he met the love of his life, Kathy (Hart), whom he married in May of 1975. They remained devoted partners until the end.
After retirement, he worked as a crossing guard for the Ithaca City School District at South Hill and Belle Sherman. What fun it was for him to visit with all the children and families as they walked to school.
All his life, Jerry was an avid gardener. He enjoyed his small vegetable garden at home, mowing the lawn, and puttering around outdoors. Jerry was interested in listening to music, studying finances, asking everyone trivia questions, solving Sudoku puzzles, playing Fantasy Football, snacking throughout the day, and devouring a bowl full of Purity ice cream.
As a life-long Ithacan, he was proud to be a part of the community, serving as a Kiwanis coach, one of the first members of the Ithaca Community Gardens, and an usher for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Most of all he loved his family. He was predeceased by his parents and his youngest brother David. He is survived by his wife and his siblings: sister Patricia (Savino Sr.) Ferrara, and brothers Richard (Barbara) Faben and Michael (Joanne) Faben. The lights of his life were his two children: Amy Michelle Faben-Wade (Aaron Wade) and Peter (Janine) Faben, who also survive. And the biggest hit of his later years were his four grandchildren: Asher Gerald Faben-Wade, Addison Faben-Wade, Milo Jeremy Faben, and Daphne Faben. He is also survived by an aunt, many cousins, and his nephews and nieces, with whom he spent many hours when they were younger before his own children came along.
He was such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather; always there to cater to any need, enjoy every accomplishment, and love every minute spent with his family.
He will forever be remembered by his family for: “pile-ons,” “tax time,” looking for his “credentials,” Friday night dinners, offering to “spell” you a bit, “oh sugar,” “you mocking me?,” “make us proud,” “that’s the ticket,” “hits the spot,” feeling “punk,” and “please, no laugh.” He will be greatly missed by all.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 10th at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca, NY.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Loaves & Fishes, 210 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY 14850, Catholic Charities, 324 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca, NY 14850 or the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790
SERVICES Funeral Service
Saturday, July 10, 2021 10:00 AM
Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850
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