Elmer T. "Chick" Fantini

MOUNT CARMEL — Elmer T. "Chick" Fantini, 82, of Mount Carmel, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at home.

Born in Mount Carmel Sept. 30, 1927, he was a son of the late Adam and Olympia Fantini.

He was a 1945 graduate of Mount Carmel High School.

He served his country during World War II with the U.S. Navy from Nov. 2, 1945, until Oct. 10, 1947. He received the Victory Medal.

He was married to Rose, who survives.

He owned and operated E. Fantini Ceramic Tiles. He spent most of his adult life in the suburbs of Philadelphia before spending his retirement in Mount Carmel.

He enjoyed traveling worldwide. While in China, he saved the life of a toddler who had fallen off a subway platform onto the tracks of an oncoming train. He was a modest man, and this was not revealed until many years later in a casual conversation. He also enjoyed playing pinochle at the Mount Carmel Senior Action Center with his friends.

He was a loving father and loyal friend, and lived life to the fullest. His generosity and good will inspired others to become more passionate and understanding in their lives.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Linda; two sons, Michael and Steven; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Anna Waskiewicz and Mary Chapman; a brother, John; several nieces and nephews; a beloved friend, Marion Menapace; two special caregivers, Dave and Catherine Fantini; and six other caregivers, Beth, Maryann, Susi, Salina, Diana and Crystin.

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FANTINI — Elmer T. "Chick" Fantini, 82, of Mount Carmel. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday in Divine Redeemer Church, 300 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel, with the Rev. Robert Yohe officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Mount Carmel Township. A viewing will be held from 8:30 to 10:40 a.m. Saturday in the C.J. Lucas Funeral Home, 27 N. Vine St., Mount Carmel, C.J. Lucas IV supervisor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VNA Hospice, 21 W. Independence St., Shamokin 17872. For additional information or to send condolences to the family, go to www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com.