John Robert Ferrick

Born on March 22, 1927 in Buffalo, NY to a large Irish Catholic family of ten, Jack Ferrick was anything but ordinary. One of his favorite stories that he recounted to any willing listener involved him running away from home in 8th grade. He simply thought it would be exciting to peddle his bike along with two friends from Buffalo to Washington DC. He had always wanted to see D.C. and thought it was too much of a hassle to get parental permission. He made the entire trip and arrived back home completely sunburned and exhausted but to very happy and relieved parents. This tenacity took him far in life. In school, Jack was a superb all around athlete playing baseball, hockey, and was the star quarterback at Amherst High school. He played hockey with the Ontario Hockey Association until receiving a serious injury.

At 18 years old, he joined the Army Air Force and was stationed in Manila during the Second World War. Following his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Notre Dame, following in his older brothers' footsteps. While a student, he was hospitalized for appendicitis and had the good fortune of meeting a beautiful and kind nurse. This nurse, Dolores Bendel, would later become his bride in 1951. Jack’s career then brought him to Akron Ohio, where he established Building Materials Inc. The 50 year success of BMI was attributed to the loving partnership between Jack and Dolores. If one were to walk into the single office of the president and Vice President, they would see in the center of the room, the backs of two desks pushed together with Jack and Dolores sitting at either side. His spare time was filled with his love of international travel and playing golf whenever he got the chance. Their loving marriage lasted 60 years until the passing of Dolores in 2011. Jack also had the tremendous gift of speech and could make anybody feel welcome and important. He was also an animated storyteller and could bring laughter to an entire room. Sadly, Jack passed away August 31, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores and son John Jeffrey Ferrick. He is survived by two daughters Jennifer Ferrick Vari and Laura Perry and 6 grandchildren.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 10:00 until the time of service, the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM in St Sebastian Church 476 Mull Ave. Akron, OH 44320. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com