“Carl,” as he was affectionately known by most friends, attended Hampton Institute (now University), where he studied business and met his future wife, Stephany, who he fondly called “Steph.” At Hampton, he joined Groove Phi Groove, Social Fellowship Incorporated, and formed bonds he continued to nurture for the rest of his life.
Carl worked in finance as an auditor for many years until he chose to obey his true calling: helping people facing personal challenges and crises. He began a second career in outreach at the National Benefit Fund for the 1199 healthcare union, where he excelled at his job, serving union members in difficult times. During this time, he also returned to school and got his master’s in social work. He was excited by and was truly committed to this next chapter of his professional life.
Carl had a passion for music, both listening to and playing it. He also loved good conversation and could spend hours telling you stories and asking to hear yours. Incredibly, he seemed to never tire of debate and discussion. He brought a generous spirit to all interactions. He was a role model and mentor to many young men in need of counsel or just a friend to talk to. He was a volunteer at The INN since 2010, and was thoroughly committed to the people he worked with and those he served. He was a dear friend and companion to many elders; he took visits and check-in phone conversations very seriously.
Deeply spiritual, Carl had an abiding faith and trust in Christ instilled in him by his mother. He was committed to his growth as a Christian and was a serious student of the Bible. For more than thirty years, he was a member of Jackson Memorial AME Zion Church in Hempstead, New York, where he faithfully served his church family, whom he loved dearly.
Carl was loving his retirement and he especially loved the freedom it gave him to be a thoroughly engaged grandfather. He would work with Steph to come up with actual itineraries for the kids’ weekend activities. Carl was the kind of granddad who got all the way down on the floor to build entire block villages. He didn’t mind getting messy—in fact, he loved it.
Carl is predeceased by his older brother, Calvin Howard, and his mother, Mary Johnson Ferguson, whom he showered with love every chance he got until her passing in 2020.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The INN, an organization
serving those challenged by hunger, homelessness, and poverty, and whose mission Dennis “Carl”
held so dear. You may contribute online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/carlferguson or mail a
check directly to:
The INN
211 Fulton Ave.
Hempstead, NY 11550
In the memo section, please include “In Memory of Carl & Stephany Ferguson.”
DONATIONS
The INN211 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, New York 11550
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