Emil Viorel Iftene

On Saturday, November 21st, a day of great significance in his Christian Orthodox religion, our beloved father, brother, husband, cousin and cherished friend Emil Viorel Iftene (Slim to all his American family & friends), left this world, surrounded by love and light.

Emil was born in Ilia, a small town in Transilvania, Romania, to the late Minodora and Gheorghe Iftene, but was raised by his grandparents, Theresa and Ioan Suciu, who taught him common sense and how to be a good person. He caught on quick, because he had the kindest heart. He was a one man show, who could teach manners, recite poetry or discuss ancient philosophy, roll up his sleeves and fix someone’s car or troubleshoot anything to perfection.

Extremely open hearted, bursting with energy and moral resources, he would light up the room with his jokes and his attitude. He always had a word of wisdom or a funny comment up his sleeve. Words, he mastered, and would always find the right ones to fit any situation. He thrived on lending a helping hand and putting smiles on people’s faces.

He was too much of a character to have one sole family, so he prided himself with three. He was the absolute best father, friend and confidant to his daughter Ioana Iftene, caring husband to Maria Popa and supportive brother to Ioan Toderici. He was loyal and grateful to his dear adopted American sister Julia Marie Billen and her husband Christian Billen, protective of Danielle (Nathaniel) Dulski,  Cristophe Selvais and Isabelle Billen. He loved Florica Demeter, their daughters Anda Ioana Demeter and Irina Demeter. He was that one person that left a strong impression on all those who he crossed paths with.

God put us in his way, and such a privilege it has been.