Benjamin "Ben" Ferro Jr.

Ben Ferro, 86, a beloved husband and father from Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 29, 2024. Ben was born in Houston, Texas, to Ben and Jennie (Philipello) Ferro.

Ben’s father owned and operated a gas station in Houston for a period, and Ben spent time working with his dad as a young boy. Ben was his mother’s pride and joy. Ben attended Jefferson Davis High School, where he participated in the Distributed Education (DE) program. He began working in shipping and receiving at Columbia Dry Goods in Houston, where he met the love of his life, Bonnie, who was also in a DE program.

Ben worked at Playhouse Toys and Montgomery Ward in Houston before working for his brother Joe at Ferro’s Grocery Store. In 1970, Ben moved his family to Bryan, Texas to work with his uncle and aunt, Nick Sr. and Nora Philipello, at their “maw and paw” grocery store on Pierce Street and Candy Hill. Ben and Bonnie eventually purchased the business, owning and operating it as Ben’s Grocery until they retired in 1991. Retirement didn’t last long for Ben; he began working at Readfield Meats. Eager to return to business ownership, in 1994 he and Bonnie started another venture, Ferro’s Deli, which they operated together for another ten years before retiring for good in 2004.

Ben was always a hard worker and an honest businessman. His customers appreciated his compassion and caring nature, and he was fondly known as “Mr. Ben.” He loved his family deeply and cherished their time together. Ben was also a devoted caregiver to his wife, Bonnie.

He was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan, Texas.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Baylor St. Luke’s in Houston, and Enhabit Hospice for their care during Ben’s hospital stay. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you goes to Ben’s cousin Nick Philipello Jr. and his wife, Anna Philipello, for their constant support and presence during this difficult time.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Jennie Ferro; mother-in-law Josie Lee Johnson; half-brother Joe Ferro (Mary Scalise); half-sister Lena Ferro Rizzo (John); brothers-in-law Henry Johnson and Ennis Johnson; and nephews Tom Johnson and Martin Wade Johnson and a host aunts and uncles.

Ben is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bonnie Ferro; his sons Michael Ferro (Pam) and Tony Ferro (Mary); daughter Delisa Falks (Jack); and son Bryon Ferro (Amber). His grandchildren include Joey Ferro (Tiffany), Jenny Siegert (Mitch), Claudia Stadelmann (Kurt), Jackson Ferro, and Delaney Ferro. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Aria and Gatlin Siegert and Wade Ferro.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM. at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 South College Ave, Bryan, Texas 77801. A rosary will be recited Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7: 00 PM, at the funeral home. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 507 East 26th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803. Ben will be laid to rest at 3:00 PM in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023.