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Samuel Elwood Ferry (Sam)
Passed away on the evening of June 2, 2014, at Pomona Valley Hospital in Pomona, CA. He was born on Jan. 5, 1945, in Sunbury, PA, to Elwood and Marjorie Ferry. He attended Sunbury schools thru his sophomore year at Sunbury High School with the class of '62. He completed his junior and senior years at Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, SC., graduating in 1962.
He served in the US Marine Corps from 1963 to 1967. He was a special radio operator with intelligence units serving mostly in Asia and Southeast Asia. In 1966 while serving in Vietnam he was promoted to the rank of Sgt., and received the Navy Achievement Medal.
He graduated from Atlantic Airline School in Kansas City, MO., beginning his career in the airline industry with Bonanza Airlines in 1967, which lasted through five carriers and four mergers. He retired in 2002 from Northwest Airlines as an Operations/Customer Service supervisor, to volunteer for the new Transportation Security Administration following 9/11. He retired from TSA in 2007 as a Transportation Security Manager. He received the 2004 Leadership Silver Award from TSA.
He earned an AA Degree from Chaffey College in Alta Loma, CA, a BA Degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, a California vocational teaching credential in Travel Studies, and a Supervisory Excellence Certificate from the University of California, Riverside.
In early years, he was an avid runner competing in nearly one hundred races, and played softball on a number of airline teams. He also coached youth sports when his children were young.
During retirement Sam volunteered with the Fisheries Resource Volunteer Corps for the US Forest Service. He was a Stream Coordinator in the Angeles National Forest for FRVC and selected to the Board of Directors in 2013. In 2012 he received the national Presidents Volunteer Award for service in excess of one thousand hours.
He also volunteered with the Citizens on Patrol for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in Court Services. He was a long time blood donor with donations in excess of 11 gallons. He served on the county Grand Jury in '08-'09, and was a 'roll-call' reader at Riverside National Cemetery. His favorite pastime however was attending his grandkids sports and music events.
He was a member of the Marine Corps Cryptologic Association and a member at large of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was predeceased by his parents, Sister Barbara, and one niece Cynthia. He is survived by his wife Anita of 27 years, two children from a previous marriage, Josh (Cherry), Becky (Micah), and two stepdaughters Renee and Angie (Mylo). He also is survived by seven grandchildren, Hali, Joshua, Trinity, Mackenzie, Kaden, Kaia, Logan, and twelve nieces and nephews and their families in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Funeral services will be held at Draper Mortuary in Ontario on Wednesday, June 11, from 12:00-1:00pm. Committal and military honors will follow at 2:00pm at Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Alzheimer's Association, American Diabetes Association, or the Semper Fi fund for wounded warriors.becky
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
As my son said “He was a great man.” Josh and Becky loved their dad a great deal. He was there for them always. He never missed their sporting events and dance recitals. He enjoyed all those Christmases, birthdays, graduations and all other important events. He coached them, encouraged them, and cheered them on. He went on to do the same for his grandchildren. He was a good father, grandfather, husband, good neighbor, good friend, good worker, teacher and mentor. He was always willing to volunteer and help. He was very fortunate to find Anita to share his life. My heart goes out to his family and friends for the loss of this good man in their lives. May God bless you and comfort all those who loved you.
Anne Lewin
June 11, 2014
I met Sam while servig on the San Bernardino County grand jury a few years back. I remember Sam as a real friendly and helpful person with a great sense of humor. I will remember him fondly.
Ron Brooks
June 10, 2014
It's difficult losing a friend, Jack. But knowing that he is in a better place makes it easier.
Joe Micaletti
June 10, 2014
Sam was my most memorable manager at TSA ONT & was by far the friendliest. I retired 7 years ago & Sam was in charge of my separation. He felt as badly for my departure as I did. I'm sure my friend has arrived in that better place that we all hear about. RIP Sam
Jack Bruce
June 10, 2014
Jack Bruce
June 10, 2014
I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Sam when we served together on Okinawa back in 64/65. Was able to reunite with him around Thanksgiving in Newport Beach in 2011. Many fond memories of He, Craig Wolfe,Jack Gibbs, John Discher and myself diving at Bolo Point, bar hoppin & dodging MP's. He was a great guy and treated we "Squids" like brother Jarheads...I'm gonna miss him....Semper Fi buddy....Dick
Dick Oelze
June 10, 2014
Sam and I served together as special radio operators on Okinawa, the Phillipines and Phu Bai, Vietnam over 3 years. We had great fun skin diving at Bolo Point, Okinawa, going out to the 'barrios' in the PI and enduring Trai Bac Station in 'Nam 1966. We kept up over the years. I will miss knowing he is alive in Ontario and keeping up greatly. Craig Wolfe
June 9, 2014
I first met Sam in January 1966 while stationed in Phu Bai, Viet Nam. Sam and I became very close friends and enjoyed a great relationship while serving together. While I continued to serve in the Marines, Sam got out of the Corps and started his new life in the civilian world. Within the past year we reconnected and enjoyed some long phone conversations and lots of email. I am without words to describe the loss I feel knowing he is not here for me to call today. But I know his family is extremely proud of him as I am. He was one of the finest Marines I met in over 25 years of service. He had a heart of gold and was always anxious to help another Marine. I know God will enjoy having Sam in his heavenly presence as we continue to miss and love him. Semper Fidelis, my brother.
Al Joye
June 9, 2014
Sam & I were in the same series, different platoons, at Parrish Island and in the same squad bay in Pensacola, FL - After that we lost touch & only recently got back together he was a fine man one helluva good Marine - He'll be sorely missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to his wife, children, family & friends. Semper Fi, Sam
June 9, 2014
Dear Sam,
I have very fond memories of a man that had nothing but good to say about everyone and everything, this was (and is) a rare quality in people. My BEST memory though was the day you conspired with Kim when he proposed to me in the lobby at T2! Good Times!
My thoughts and prayers to your family for strength and comfort. God Bless
April Ellis
June 9, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Sam for 5 years during his time with the TSA. He had a great sense of humor and was always a cheerful and friendly person. He helped me with my career development and was a great coach and mentor. Thanks for being one of the "Good Guys" Sam. You will be missed and remembered fondly by many, many people. Godspeed.
Rick Carlson
June 8, 2014
Goodbye dear Sam.
Jim & Nikki Gabany
June 8, 2014
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