EWEN, Mich. – Ricky Furaitar, 78, of Ewen, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood.

Ricky was born on Jan. 13, 1947, in Stambaugh, to Charles and Christine (Cornelia) Furaitar.

He was married to Gloria G. Knickerbocker and together they were blessed with two children, Christine and Daniel.

For a short time, Ricky worked with his dad on the railroad. He spent the major part of his career working at the White Pine mine. Once the mine was closed, Ricky worked at Waste Management until he retired. He became friends with Dave Hendrickson and considered him as his best friend.

Ricky's hobbies included working on old cars, making his own guns and recording movies and old songs.

Ricky is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; a daughter, Christine (Tom) Belcher; a son, Daniel Furaitar; two grandchildren, Casey and Emily Furaitar; and four great-grandchildren, Caroline, Parker, Daniel and Ellie Furaitar.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Roger.

At the family's request, there will be no funeral service.

Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Ewen.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Westgate Nursing Home for their excellent care of Ricky.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.