Beloved husband of Denise and devoted father to John, Jr., John Ferri, Sr. went home to the Lord after a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. Despite the daily challenges he faced, John was rarely seen without a smile. He embodied an easygoing spirit and showed those around him that joy is a choice.

John shared 46½ wonderful years of marriage with his one true love, Denise. Together with their son, John, they built a home filled with love, laughter, music, and joy.

He was known for his remarkable resilience, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to his family. Although his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis altered the course of his life, it never diminished his spirit. Rather than allowing the disease to define him, John met each challenge with strength, grace, and determination.

His life experience gave him a deep understanding of perseverance, which he carried into his role as a devoted and compassionate father to his son, John, who has special needs. John became a tireless advocate for respect, access, and inclusion, forming a profound bond with his son rooted in mutual understanding and unconditional love.

John was the beloved son of Ernest and Rena Ferri, who predeceased him. He was raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, where he shared a warm and joyful childhood with his sister, Linda. Surrounded by a close-knit and loving family, his early years were filled with happiness and a strong sense of home that remained with him throughout his life.

A man who appreciated life’s simple pleasures, John enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he could, often spending time outdoors with his beagle. He especially loved visiting the Jersey Shore, where he found peace fishing in the surf and crabbing in the bay.

He was also an avid hummingbird enthusiast, taking great joy in tending to his feeders and observing their vibrant, fast-paced behavior. In addition, John enjoyed vegetable gardening, finding both fulfillment and calm in nurturing life from the soil.

John worked hard throughout his life to support his family. He was employed as a pressman for The Star-Ledger in Newark, New Jersey, where he skillfully operated and maintained high-speed printing presses. He took great pride in his work, which required precision, craftsmanship, and responsibility in producing a quality newspaper on time.

Above all, John will be remembered for his strength, kindness, humor, and deep love for his family. His legacy of resilience, compassion, and quiet joy will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Funeral arrangements will be held privately with the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Jawonio, an organization whose work in inclusion, dignity, and support for individuals with special needs reflects so much of what he stood for and dedicated his life to as a father and advocate.

The Jawonio Foundation 

260 N. Little Tor Road

New City, NY 10956

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