Ralph T. Ferro

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Ralph cherished the borough that shaped him. He was a graduate at St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queens, NY. He served his country as a US Army reservist based out of Fort Drum NY. He went on to build a distinguished 40-year year career with New York Life in Manhattan, where he was respected for his integrity, dedication, and steadfast professionalism.

Ralph raised his young family in Brooklyn before moving to Carmel, NY, where he spent a large part of his adult life. Upon retiring, he and his wife, Marianne Cecere Ferro (“Nina”), relocated to Fredonia in the year 2000 to be closer to their sons. Ralph and Nina shared 57 years of marriage before her passing on June 29, 2017.

Ralph was fiercely proud of his Italian and Scotch-Irish heritage and always carried himself with a true spirit of a true “Brooklyn guy”. He loved vacationing across the New England states he was an avid movie fan, especially fond of John Wayne films. He enjoyed sports, particularly hockey, and enjoyed reminiscing about his own performance in his younger years on the ice or on the basketball court. Ralph was also an avid reader and information seeker, taking in the New York Times or the Buffalo news from cover to cover for as long as he was able.

Ralph is survived by his three sons. Jerome Ferro, of Brewster, NY, Michael (Kristen) Ferro of Dunkirk, NY, Paul Ferro of Fredonia, NY. He is also lovingly remembered by his granddaughter, Gianna Ferro, also of Dunkirk, NY.

Ralph’s life was marked by his sense of humor, generosity, loyalty, and love for his family. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with Nina, and that his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who had the good fortune to know him.

Immediate services will be held privately with the family, however, there will be a graveside service held in the Spring.

Ralph’s family is deeply indebted to the staff of the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Dunkirk, NY, who showed him exceptional care and dedication during the last years of his life. Deep gratitude is also extended to the staff of Saint Colomban’s on the Lake, where he resided prior to the progression of his illness. The compassion of all of these people, brought comfort and dignity to Ralph and to those who loved him.

Arrangements have been made with loving care by the FANTAUZZI FUNERAL HOME, 82 East Main St. Fredonia, NY.