Richard Ferraro's Obituary
On Thursday, February 20, 2020, Richard David Ferraro, loving and devoted husband of Mariann, passed away at age 62.
Richard was born on August 12, 1957 in Pittsburgh, PA to Domenic and Frances (De Napoli) Ferraro.
He was the youngest and only boy of 5 children. Richard’s sisters accused him of being his parent’s favorite child.… Per Richard, “They were absolutely correct”.
Rich was a 1975 graduate of Central Catholic High School where he played football and made lasting friendships. Proud to be a Central graduate, Rich attended Penn State University. Richard was in the “first wave” of Cobal Programmers to emerge.
On May 29, 2000, Richard hit the “Love Lotto”. He met Mariann and fell in love at first sight. 12 days later he proposed. Totally grossed out by his mushiness, Mariann called him a ding-a-ling. Sixteen months later, wedding bells rang on September 8, 2001. (This meant that for the past 6,740 days, 18 years, 5 months and 13 days Richard was one heck of a lucky guy.) Richard and Mariann Ferraro made their home in the Queen City (Charlotte, NC) where Richard worked in the financial sector.
Rich was an active member of Saint Mark’s Catholic Church. With his wife by his side, Richard (aka Mr. Ferraro) taught first grade catechism for the past 8 years. He found “the little people” to be kind, intelligent, and loving. He felt fortunate to share his faith with such beautiful children. He considered St. Mark’s to be his home away from home. He enjoyed going to “Old Man’s Mass” at 7:30 every Sunday morning. Richard was devoted to the Blessed Mother and loved praying the novena of Our Lady Undoer of Knots.
Rich was born and died a fan of the most winningest team of major league football: The Steelers. He loved anyone who was part of “The Nation”. Growing up and until his death, he considered Roberto Clemente (of the Pirates) to be the greatest sportsman. Richard considered his hero to be “poetry in motion”. Rich believed the world would be a better place if people would “eat a whoopie pies, make snowmen, and listen to Mr. Rodgers”. He equated the end of mankind with politicians, eating liver and his wife leaving her shoes in the middle of the floor. Richard was not a jack of all trades. But the man liked his gadgets, gizmos and thingamajigs. (If it could peel an egg or “defuzz” a sweater for the low price of $19.99, he owned it.) Rich also had an acute love affair with big appliances namely “fridge-zilla” and “microwave-zilla”. Richard thought his wife’s cooking was delicious, delightful and delectable. He went crazy nuts over her homemade spaghetti sauce, meatballs and raviolis. Richard believed he earned his man card and therefore, he was entitled to watch all the Christmas Hallmark movies he wanted while drinking hot chocolate and baking cookies. (Eyeroll from his wife.) And when he thought his wife didn’t know it, he watched reruns of the Andy Williams Christmas special.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Domenick, and his mother, Frances and one of his sisters.
Richard was survived by his devoted wife, Mariann Christina of 18.5 years. He was preceded in death by his son, Gabriel, his father Domenick, mother Frances, and his sister Susanna (Domenic) Santilli. He is survived by the following family members: Margie (Joseph) Bosco, Patricia (Richard) Pryke, and Denise Geffel along with 10 nieces and nephews. He was greatly loved by his in-laws Mario and Lorraine Sena, Gina Marie and Brent McKeehen (Joseph and Michael), and Michael Sena.
Richard was madly in love with Mariann. He believed nothing was too good for her—from diamond rings to free food samples from Costco’s… He shared his love for life with his wife. He considered her to be the air that he breathed—she was nothing less than his soulmate. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. He saw people for what they truly were: Children of God. He was a loyal, courageous, and principled man. He was loved and admired for his positive outlook on life and wicked sense of humor. He was dearly loved and will be missed beyond measure.
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's learning to dance in the rain."
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at James Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2020 at St. Mark Catholic Church. A reception will be held at the funeral home immediately following the church service. Online condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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