Michael M. Furjanic

Michael Martin Furjanic, age 85, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was born to parents, Michael and Kathryn (Bosnjak) Furjanic, on October 23, 1939, in Steelton, PA. Michael graduated from Steelton High School in 1957 where he was the Class President in addition to the Captain of the Steelton High School football team. His senior yearbook reads, “When left end position is assumed by Furjanic, He puts the other teams in a panic.” Michael continued his education at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where he played collegiate football and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Michael pursued higher education earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Pennsylvania State University while raising his children. 

One of Michael’s unique accomplishments is building his own family home with the help of his father. He spent his career as a respected Certified Public Accountant as well as an esteemed professor at Harrisburg Area Community College where he instructed accounting and was known for his challenging courses. Michael was a founding faculty member for Harrisburg Area Community College and was instrumental in the initial phases of the institution. During his time as a faculty member, he continued to practice accounting in the field and brought day to day knowledge to the classroom, which was highly respected by his students. Michael had a thirst for knowledge and was a lifelong learner in every way.

Michael loved tambura music and was proud of his Croatian heritage. He served as a Director for the Kolo Club “Marian” for many years. He played bugarija in the Thirsty Three, Cigani, and The Balkanaires. Over the years, Michael welcomed and hosted many musical groups in his home, which led to several after hours performances. He was a go-to person in Steelton for helping to bind the ethnic community together by welcoming all from out of town. Michael was affectionately known as the “King of the Gypsies” because of his captivating and hospitable personality.

Michael was a lifetime member of the Croatian Fraternal Union and a lifetime trustee of the St. Mary’s Social Club.

Michael was involved in each of his children and grandchildren’s lives. He was notorious for calling for life updates and finding avenues to support each grandchild in their life endeavors. Michael was a strong advocate for education and hard work.

Michael is preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine “Tatsy” (Grasa) Furjanic and his son Andrew Furjanic. He is survived by his wife, Sophia (Vulich) Furjanic. Michael is also survived by his children, Michael Peter Furjanic (Darlene), Martin Joseph Furjanic (Michelle), and Angela Kathryn Tozzi (Dino); and brothers Thomas Furjanic of Ocala, FL and James Furjanic of Camp Hill. Michael is also survived by six grandchildren: Andrew (Lauren), Alessia, Morgan, Michael Robert, Antonina, and Domenico. As well as his step sons David Pfautz (Deborah) and Michael Pfautz (Deceased) and step great-granddaughter, Adriana.

Michael will be remembered for his zest for life, strong love for family, and resilience through all parts of life.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Michael's memory on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 11:00 am in Prince of Peace - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 815 South Second Street, Steelton.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the church.  Arrangements by Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.

Should friends desire, the family welcomes donations to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 101 Harrisburg PA 17110, in Michael Furjanic’s memory.