Wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle; Mass is on Friday
Joseph (Joe) Patrick Ferris, 84, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2018, at Staten Island Hospital, surrounded by his beloved family.
Joe was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, N.Y., to Ellen (Carlin) and William Ferris. He was the youngest six siblings: Brian, William, Rev. John CSSR, Thomas, and sister, Mary Heckmer.
In 1967, Joe married Margaret (Peggy) nee Mullaney of Ward Hill, S.I. Joe and Peggy moved to Richmondtown after their wedding and have lived there ever since.
Joe leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Peggy; daughter, Loretta Uszacki (Raymond), and his two amazing granddaughters, Erin Rose and Kimberly Clare, as well as many nieces and nephews. His love and devotion to his family was an inspiration to all.
Joe served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He was stationed in Kimpo, Korea, in 1952. Joe received the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, three Battle Stars, and the National Defense Medal. Joe was a member of the Cpl. Allan Kivlehan Chapter of the Korean War Veterans. He served as a trustee and judge advocate. Joe was a life member of the Korean National Association.
Joe worked for the N.Y. Telephone Company as a large job repairman, and the FDNY as a communications electrician.
He was a lifetime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 4. He served as a treasurer and financial secretary. Joe was an aide to the grand marshal at the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2009. He helped run the St. Patrick's Day Parade in S.I. for many years. Joe worked with the Notre Dame Club's Bread of Life drive.
Joe was renowned for his beautiful Irish tenor voice. He sang with the Village Light Opera Company in Manhattan. Joe was a singer in the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas for many years.
Joe was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He always fought for the ones he loved and nothing would stand in his way.
Joe and his wife, Peggy loved to travel around the world. They visited China, New Zealand, Australia, Dubai, Iceland, Europe, and many other countries. They were able to visit 46 out of the 50 states. They took 57 cruises, many with their children and grandchildren.
Joe had a great sense of humor. He always had a joke or a tale to share whenever he encountered anyone. Anyone who knew him well would always say, "Uh-oh! Here comes Joe," when he walked into the room. They knew Joe would always bust everyone's chops and knew how to get them laughing, even if they didn't want to laugh!
Joe lived a vibrant, fun-filled life. He enjoyed taking walks in the Greenbelt with his grandchildren. He taught them how to read trail markers along with many other things.
Joe's grandchildren, Erin and Kimberly, said, "The one thing that we want everyone to know about our grandfather, Joe Ferris, is that he was a family man and he loved giving back to the community. If he wasn't home with his family he was working hard or doing some type of service. We all will miss him greatly."
Visiting hours will be at Casey-McCallum Rice Funeral Home, S.I., today, July 12, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 13, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, S.I. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Casey-McCallum Rice
South Shore F/H
30 Nelson Ave.
Staten Island, N.Y. 10308
(718) 317-7600
Published in Staten Island Advance on July 12, 2018
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