R. Emilio Funes

Ramon Emilio Funes died June 21, 2012 following a long struggle with illness. During the process of his passing he was surrounded by family and friends who loved and comforted him and whose hearts are broken by his passing.
He was born December 29, 1952 in Rio de los Sauces, Cordoba, Argentina to Francisco Emilio Funes and Maria Haydee Avila-Funes.
As a youth in Argentina he began playing soccer almost as soon as he was able to walk. He attended the Instituto Incorporado San Buenoventura (High School) and played as a forward on their 1967-68 National Championship team. As a 16yr old he played for Sportivo Athens 1st division Rio Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina and from there moved on to play for San Lorenzo de Almagro, Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 1976-77 he was selected for the Argentine Pre-Selection/National team.
While he loved Argentina, his dream was to bring his family to the United States, which he did in Nov. of 1982. While in the U.S. he continued his love of soccer becoming a Section 9 Soccer Coach Administrator and Member of the AYSO National Coaching Commission where he devoted his time and energy to developing soccer programs and coaches. Emilio felt that in Argentina he had been freely given the gift and opportunity to play the game he loved and believed that every child, regardless of their ability, should be given the same opportunity to develop as a soccer player. He donated countless hours to children throughout the state of Utah fulfilling this heartfelt obligation.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that any contributions be mailed to: AYSO Region 354, P.O. Box 457, Sandy, Ut. 84070 - Emilio Funes.
He is survived by his children Nadia Funes, Fernando Funes, Jennifer Shelley (Rich) and Nycholle Slack (Brandon) as well as his grandchildren, Kayle, Krew & Kaysen Shelley, Kaylie Slack and Emery Sorenson-Funes. (He dreamed of being your Grandpa/soccer coach.) His brother Nestor Funes and all of the soccer kids that came to love him as a second father also survive him. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and grandparents so we know that while our hearts are heavy his reunion in heaven was joyous.
The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Mt. Timpanogas Hospital staff, nurses, dialysis technicians and doctors for the tender care given to Emilio during his stay. Your kindness can never be repaid ...Thank you. A viewing will be held in his honor at SereniCare Funeral Home12278 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, Utah on Wednesday June 27, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.