Kenneth R. Furman Jr. 1944-2024

“Bub,” as he was affectionately known, was born April 6, 1944, in Youngstown, to Kenneth R. Furman Sr. and Carrie Lemley Furman.

Bub graduated from South High School in 1963 and entered the U.S. Army, where he served for two years, primarily in Seoul, Korea. Upon discharge, Bub returned to Youngstown, where he worked as a mechanic in the family business, Kenny’s Sohio Service on Oak Hill Avenue. Soon after, he met and married his sweetheart, Paulette Moderalli Furman, on Oct. 25, 1969.

Bub soon decided that building was in his blood and took a job as a siding installer with Decorative Aluminum and then with Choffin Career Center as a skilled trades teacher. But his dream of building homes culminated with his position with RDW Homes, from where he retired after 20 years.

Bub was a master woodworker and could build or fix anything. If you started out asking, “Hey, Bub, can you make … ?” he wouldn’t even hesitate. He would grab a piece of paper, usually from the small notebook in his front pocket and begin to sketch. And the next thing you knew, you had a new bunk bed, grill stand or deck. He was a true craftsman.

Bub is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Paulette Moderalli Furman; his daughter, Amy (Bradley) Kinkade; his son, Paul Furman; and two grandchildren, Sydney and Riley Kinkade. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (David) Campman; his brother, Dennis (Mary Jo) Furman; and brother-in-law, Rick Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Carrie Furman; and a sister, Penny Jo Martin.

There will be no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at St. Michael Church, Canfield, where Bub and Paulette were members, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Kenneth R. Furman to Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley, 1919 E. Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown, OH, 44502.

The family extends a special thank you to the compassionate staff at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital Intensive Care Unit.

Please visit www.schiavonefh.com to share condolences.

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