Wayne Thomas Bifano, age 84, of Chagrin Falls, died peacefully at his home of 49 years with Hospice care on Jan. 6, 2023.
He was born on June 25, 1938, to Angelo and Vera (nee Vesele) Bifano, in Cleveland.
Wayne spent his professional life as an educator, with degrees from Kent State University, John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve University. He taught for Chardon, Solon and Independence public schools.
Wayne also worked as a librarian/media specialist in educational levels from pre-school/kindergarten to graduate school.
Wayne retired after 40 years in formal educational work and then became interested in museum education. He wrote scripts and performed at historic sites: Hale Farm/Wheatfield Village and The Western Reserve Historical Society. At these venues Wayne role-played a lawyer, a minister, a Connecticut pioneer, a pilot, the Ice Cream Man and the Socialist reformer, Eugene V. Debs. He scripted some roles and, in other instances, interacted with visitors as a first-person interpreter, requiring him to improvise and interact with visitors in his designated time period.
In 2003, Wayne became an interpretive guide/historian at Lake View Cemetery’s historic site, The Wade Chapel. In many ways, this position was a return to Wayne’s family roots. His grandfather and father immigrated from southern Italy to work in this historic site as stonecutters.
The Wade Chapel is an architectural, technological, historical and spiritual gem. Wayne researched the history and backstory for the chapel, trying to fill in the blanks for visitors for
15 years. After being asked: “Is there a book that has all this information you’ve shared with us?” Wayne wrote a book, “The Wade Chapel: A Story of Art, Spirit, and Family.”
Wayne is survived by his wife, Martha (nee Price) Bifano; daughter, Laura Bifano; and son, Matthew (Maria Mercedes) Bifano.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; and siblings, Mildred Camp, Erwin Rabek and Vera Nichols.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m., at Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. (Parking lot is off Prospect Avenue).
A private interment will be held at Lake View Cemetery’s Community Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions be made to: Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110-2602; or to Trinity Cathedral/Out Reach Programs, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115.
Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
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