Dean Michael Furnia

1957 - 2025

Dean Michael Furnia

September 13, 1957 - December 1, 2025

Dean Michael Furnia, 68, of Auburn, N.Y., passed away suddenly at his home on December 1, 2025. He was born on September 13, 1957, in Albany, N.Y., to the late Lester and Blanche Furnia, Dean was a lifelong Auburn resident who dedicated his life to family, community, and the pursuit of excellence in everything he touched.

Dean graduated from the University at Albany with a degree in pharmacy and built a distinguished career that spanned decades. He began at Rite Aid, where his compassion and expertise earned him the 2004 "Best of the Region People's Choice Award" for Favorite Pharmacist. Later, he brought his experience to Strong Memorial Hospital and became an inpatient clinical pharmacist, serving with distinction until his retirement in 2025.

Community service was woven into the fabric of Dean's life. In 1997–1998 he served as President of the Auburn Rotary Club and passionately led the club's foreign exchange student program, opening his home and heart to young people from around the world.

An avid cyclist and proud member of the Owasco Velo Club, Dean could often be found cycling around the back roads of Cayuga County. For more than a decade he shared the thrill of motocross and supercross with his son Matthew, creating memories on tracks across the Northeast that both will treasure forever. A savvy and disciplined investor, he managed his own portfolio with the same precision he brought to everything else and took great pride in passing that knowledge along to Matthew.

Known as a true jack-of-all-trades who did things "my way" (as Frank Sinatra sang), Dean approached every project with an unrelenting drive for perfection-sometimes stubbornly, always with the very best intentions. Those who knew him best will remember his quick wit, generous spirit, and the quiet pride he took in a job done right.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Rita Furnia; his son, Matthew Furnia (Zhila); his step children, Lynn Sullivan (Robert), and Dr. Michael Ibach; his cherished grandchildren, Kelsey Ibach, Timothy and Emma Sullivan, and Ava Furnia; and his siblings, Paula Oxford (Tom), Mary Lou Barrette (Chris), Pat Furnia (Jennifer), and Dave Furnia and several nieces and nephews. Memorial mass will be held at Saint Mary's Church, 15 Clark Street, Auburn, N.Y. on Saturday December 6th at 10:30 a.m.

Though Dean will be deeply missed, the lessons he shared through his hard work, his kindness, and the way he embraced life on his own terms will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to have known him. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Owasco Fire Department, 7174 Owasco Road, Auburn, NY 13021 in memory of Dean Michael Furnia. Condolences may be made at www.brewfuneralhome.com.