THOMAS R. FARA
November 21, 1931 - February 12, 2012
Thomas (Tom) R. Fara - 80 of La Porte passed away on Sunday February 12, 2012 at his winter home in Naples, Florida, with his family by his side.
He was born in La Porte, IN on November 21, 1931 the son of the late Ray and Coral (Brown) Fara. He graduated from La Porte High School in 1950. In 1951 Tom served in the United States Navy in the Submarine service on the USS Caiman -USS-323. After being discharged from the Navy in 1955 he furthered his education at Indiana University where he received a degree in Business in 1958. While at Indiana University he was president of the Advertising Club and was honored with the Outstanding Advertising Student award. In 1952 he married Carol Striegel and raised 3 sons. In 1976 he married Nancy Francis who survives. For many years he was an active member of Countryside Church. More recently he was a member of the La Porte Missionary Church.
Tom is survived by his wife Nancy, four sons - Tom A. and wife Teresa, Mike and wife Debra, Dan and wife Dorothea, Mark Martin and wife Karen all of La Porte; two step-sons Tim Goens of Virginia Beach, VA and Scott Dopieralski of La Porte; six grandchildren Tyler of Fort Collins, CO, Tim(Rebecca)of Charlotte, NC, Trent of Fort Collins, CO, Danielle of La Porte, Ryan of Denver, CO and McKenna of La Porte and a multitude of friends. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Jari Benefiel and one step-son Dusty Goens.
In 1961 Tom, his father Ray and George Benefiel founded House of Fara Inc. in a barn with a dirt floor and one employee. Over the next 50 years the business grew, and at one time had over two hundred people employed. The company became one of the largest Hardwood Moulding Manufacturers in the country. As the company grew Tom included his four sons in the business. Mr. Fara was dedicated to employing people from his community. He entertained his employees frequently with company parties. He also sang happy birthday to each employee on their birthday and read them his favorite poems. Tom did business the old fashion way. His word was stronger than any contract and he remained loyal to his trusted suppliers and business associates. He enjoyed their success as much as his own. No matter if times were tough or times were good he always said "American business is the greatest game in the world". He loved American business and he loved the House of Fara.
Tom was an extremely generous man. He contributed to so many charities himself and through his business it is difficult to list them all. A partial list includes: March of Dimes, La Porte Hospital Foundation, La Porte Parks Department, Boy Scouts of America, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics, La Porte Lacrosse Teams, Girl Scouts of American, Ducks Unlimited, Big Brothers/Big sisters, YMCA, Home Depot Foundation, Good Shepards Food Pantry, La Porte 4-H and La Porte Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Fara was a hobbyist extraordinaire. He approached his hobbies with the same passion he put into his business and family. He started as a novice and quickly mastered each new hobby. His hobbies included: tropical and salt water fish, welded sculpture, art, model rockets, model airplanes, growing orchids, coy ponds, gardening and antique collecting. He was a gentlemen farmer who raised quail, geese, guinea hens, chickens, swans, ducks, pigeons, rabbits and turkeys. He was a breeder of award winning show chickens. One of his greatest accomplishments was his 35 years of sobriety - he referred to himself as "Bonedry".
Tom loved La Porte. From his days at La Porte High School where he was a track star, sophomore Student Body President and voted best dancer to his recent creation of the Fourth of July parade float "Kate", he was always an enthusiastic participant in what was happening in La Porte. He never missed the Fourth of July Parade, Cruise Night, First Saturday or the Famers Market. He sponsored the Rib cook-off at the La Porte Sunflower Festival just so he could enjoy cooking and giving away free food during the event. Tom looked forward each year to the La Porte County Fair. He believed in La Porte, its people and its local businesses.
Enthusiasm, charisma and a zest for life is what defined Tom. He was always upbeat. Always positive. Always laughing. Always looking forward. He often said "woulda, coulda, shoulda never did anything for anybody". He loved people and everyone loved him. His laugh was infectious. When he laughed everyone laughed with him. It was inspiring to be with him. He made everyone around him appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest.
He will be greatly missed by his employees and colleagues of House of Fara, the people of La Porte, his many friends and especially by his family that loved him so much.
A private family graveside service will be held at Pine Lake Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Cutler Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cutler Funeral Home. The Rev. Carl Galloway will be officiating. Cutler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Good Shepard Food Pantry - c/o Lambs Methodist Church - 6006 N. Fail Road - La Porte, IN 46350. To leave private or public condolences and sign the guest book, visit www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.