Renato Facchin, (91), of New Windsor, passed away on January 15, 2024.
Renato is survived by his loving wife Caterina and two daughters, Patricia (sp Randall) and Giuliana (sp Declan), and 4 cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexandra, Pierce and Victoria. He is also survived by his sister, Giovanna Chiari, along with his nieces, Isabella and Laura.
Renato was born to Alberto and Albertina Facchin on November 10, 1932, in Braila, Romania.
He grew up in Vivaro, Italy where he was raised by his grandparents and aunt. As a young man, he learned the trade and craftsmanship of tile, marble, and terrazzo. He emigrated to the United States, where he began living and working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He would meet his future wife, Caterina, while learning English at night school.
Renato left his mark in terrazzo and tile in many of the buildings in the city of Pittsburgh. In 1966, he and his cousin, Amelio Tommasini, made the local papers when they helped the artist, Harry Jackson, install seven mosaic panels into the terrazzo floors of the Fort Pitt Museum. Those mosaics can still be viewed today.
While working at the US Steel Building, he connected with craftsmen from the New York-based company, Port Morris Tile & Terrazzo. He accepted a job with that company and moved to the Bronx. His work with that company would have him leave his mark in terrazzo and marble in numerous New York City buildings, i.e., Windows on the World at 1 World Trade Center, Grand Central Station, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Natural History, just to name a few. Renato’s work can even be seen in the film, “Working Girl.”
Renato not only cared deeply about his work, he also cared for the safety and welfare of his co-workers, making sure they were protected and safe on all his job sites.
When he retired, he and Caterina moved to New Windsor where he loved tending to his vegetable garden and sharing the results of his labor. In 2004, he officially became an American citizen.
Renato, fondly known as Nonno, took great pride and joy in all four of his grandchildren and will be missed by them.
Funeral services were held on Saturday January 20, at the Hudson Valley Funeral Home Inc., New Windsor. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery Newburgh.