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Thomas Ferretti, D.D.S. Obituary
“Savor friendships, Respect all living, Respect all nonliving things, Forgive, live, laugh, love, Write down your thoughts, Give your children opportunities, Brush your teeth, Play the hand you are dealt.” These are but a few of the words of wisdom Tom Ferretti professed as he lived and loved life to the fullest.
Dr. Tom Ferretti, 72, passed away January 22, 2019, after a challenging struggle with prostate cancer.
He was preceded him in death by his parents, Smeraldo and Mary Ferretti of Waterbury, CT.
Tom achieved many goals and accomplishments during his lifetime. Most importantly, he was a loving son, brother, husband, and father. He was “Tompa” to his two grandchildren who idolized him and he them. Among his many achievements, he received the “All America” Swimmer Award in high school and continued to swim for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill during his college years. Tom was 1st Lt. in the Marine Corps and Capt. in the USMC Reserve during the Vietnam era. He received his dental degree from the UNC School of Dentistry and began his General Dentistry practice in Pensacola, FL in 1982. He continued his dental specialty education at the University of Connecticut in Endodontology, finishing in 1991. Dr. Ferretti returned to Pensacola to practice Endodontics for many years. He retired in 2005.
Among the professional honors he received over the years were Gulf Coast Best Dentist 1987, President Escambia-Santa Rosa County Dental Association 1993, Diplomate of American Board of Endodontics 1998 and President Northwest District Dental Association 2001-02. In 2002 the Florida Dental Association honored him with a Certificate of Merit for “sincere appreciation for outstanding leadership and distinguished contributions”. Dr. Ferretti received the title of Dentist of the Year in 2005 for “Outstanding Service to the Dental Profession and the Community” by the Escambia-Santa Rosa County Dental Association.
Tom’s varied interests included: sailing, fishing, fly fishing(salt & fresh water), golf, Tae Kwon Do (Second Degree Black Belt), marksmanship (USMC Expert in both pistol & rifle), racing his vintage sports car, as well as restoring old homes(4) and antique Airstreams(2).
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, of 42 years, Ann Bruno Ferretti, his loving son, Petty Officer Second Class Thomas A. Ferretti Jr., USN (Mariah) and two delightful grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Albert Ferretti (Carol) and Richard Ferretti (Kathleen) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on January 26, 2019, 1:00-3:00 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. The Reverend Dennis O’Brien will be officiating. .
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Covenant Hospice 5041 N. 12th Ave. Pensacola, FL 32504 or Prostate Cancer Foundation 1250 Fourth Street Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ferretti, D.D.S.
David Burkard
February 13, 2019
Dear Ann and Thomas,
Cindy and I would like to express our sincerest condolences on the passing of Tom. We were both so sorry to hear the news. Tom was a good friend and mentor. He was one of the most knowledgeable and caring people that I knew and I strive everyday to live up to the high standards that he exhibited in the year that I spent with him in Endo residency at UCONN. I hope that the pain and sorrow you feel now will lessen each day with the knowledge that Tom has touched so many lives in such a positive way. Our memories of him are a testament to what a wonderful person he was and to a life well lived.
Annelle Carney
February 1, 2019
Dear Ann,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Toms passing. It was an honor to have known him and have countless wonderful memories
Of him in Chapel Hill, Pensacola, and Fort
Lauderdale. Especially vivid is a memory of
His sitting our small children down and teaching them to floss properly!!
Tom was one of a kind and will be greatly
Missed.
Much much love,
Annelle
Larz Spangberg
January 29, 2019
Thomas, you were a great friend and an excellent colleague. I will miss you greatly and always remember you warmly. You will missed greatly
Larz Spangberg
Ron Filice
January 29, 2019
I am so sad to hear of Tom's passing. He was my chief resident at UCONN and I had much respect for him professionally and personally. Tom made me laugh all the time and he had a way of making me feel better during the rough times. I feel very fortunate to have known him and he will be greatly missed.
Bill Fusco
January 28, 2019
Saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Good friend at The Hotchkiss School 1963-1965. Kind and gentle soul. Great swimmer. Admired his professional achievements in dentistry. Enjoyed special moments with Tom & Ann at the Hotchkiss 50th Reunion. His infectious smile and loving heart added joy to our lives together. He will be missed and not forgotten. Our sincere condolences to Ann and the Ferretti family. May the Lord bless them all.
David Goydan
January 27, 2019
My most sincere condolences to Ann and the family. Thank you informing me of his passing. While we were in our residency at the College of Dentistry in NC, we developed a wonderful professional relationship and friendship. To me he was always the most genuine, honest and knowledgeable colleague. I admired his maturity, vision and his always present sense of humor. I always aspired to be like him. He surely passed along his enviable character to his family and friends. He will be remembered as one of the most important friends I ever had.
I am praying for Ann and the family. May he find peace.
Sue Erkkinen
January 27, 2019
I am so saddened to hear of Toms passing. What fond memories I have of our years at UNC Chapel Hill. Tom was a sweet, gental soul then and I am sure he is remembered that way by others. So glad we kept in touch over the years so we could follow Tom Jr growing up. Pete and I both send our love to Ann and all the Ferrettis.
Melissa Ryan Ferretti
January 26, 2019
Although I couldn't make it down to the service, my heart is right there with you all. Uncle Tom holds a special place in my heart with so many amazing and fun memories! Today I send strength and love to Aunt Ann and cousin Thomas and his family, to his brothers Uncle Al and my dad Rick and their families. You will always be special to me, Uncle Tom and will be greatly missed by all who knew you. Hugs xo
Chelsea Ferretti
January 26, 2019
My heart is with you Aunt Ann, Thomas and family ❤ Im going to miss Uncle Tom so much. He was truly such a great, amazing person. Love you all!
Barbara Kravitz Lavoie
January 26, 2019
Sending my condolences to Toms family. He was a true gentleman. Reconnecting at our high school reunions was a wonderful treat and a reminder of his gentle and kind nature. I am both saddened and shocked by his loss. Praying for Toms family to find some comfort in his memories.
Dolores Kane
January 25, 2019
What a great Man. Was privileged to be his Student at PJC he taught us Perio, May he rest in Peace! Ann May God give you peace and strength during this difficult time!
mike and wanda horgan
January 25, 2019
What a shock to find this out. Our hearts go out to you Ann and Thomas. Tom had many attributes but the one that stood out for us was that he was simply just one heckuva nice guy. Always positive and always willing to help. We were able to share a small part of Tom and Ann's life through our children's schooling and sports. Tom helped Mike coach soccer one year and Mike remembers hiking the Appalachian Trail for the first time with borrowed gear from Tom. Guess what Tom? Still hiking the Trail all these years later! May God bless Tom, Ann and Thomas and keep them close to his heart.
Robert Carney
January 25, 2019
So sorry to hear about Toms passing. Tom and I were best friends in college. I like to think that I was the reason he became a dentist. I was shot in a hunting accident in 1968 and Tom saved my life. It was the day before he was supposed to take his medical boards, and he decided against medical school and instead went to dental school, and the rest, as they say, is history. He was a terrific guy. He will be sorely missed. Lots and lots of memories of Tom.
Mary Balthrop
January 25, 2019
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. I hope you will find strength in your gratitude for the blessing of so many well-lived years together.
Nancy Saxon Mellin
January 25, 2019
Ann & family, I am so, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs & love, Nancy S Mellin
Marty Dobbins
January 25, 2019
Will keep Ann and family in my prayers. Will hold the memories of Tom in high honor. It was truly a pleasure to have known this wonderful human being.
J. Patrick (Paddy) Kelly
January 25, 2019
I met Tom several times when he visited brother Al in Connecticut. Played golf with Al and Tom that were super brother competitive. Al spoke of him often over the years and the family vacations together.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
LOVE leaves memories no one can steal!
BB
January 25, 2019
sending all our love. Thinking of you and hoping you find peace and comfort in the memory of Uncle Toms beautiful smile.
Markand Marilyn Rowe
January 25, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was such a wonderful man. So glad we had the pleasure of knowing him. Prayers for your family.
Tom Sanzone
January 25, 2019
How appropriate that the first two words of Toms obituary are, savor friendships. We first met and became friends more than 54 years ago when, as freshmen, we found ourselves as teammates on the Crosby High School swim team in Waterbury, CT. While our post high school years took us on different paths, ours was a classic friendship, as measured by the fact that when we reunited decades later, it was as if we had never been apart. Tom was one of the most humble, friendly, and genuine men I have ever known, and I miss him dearly. Ann, Im so pleased we got to meet and spend time together. You and Tom were as perfect a match for each other as I could have ever imagined, and that is a compliment to both of you. I sincerely hope we can get together when you next visit Houston. Until then, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Frimenko
January 24, 2019
Ann, am so sorry for your loss
John Russo
January 24, 2019
I met Tom in 1990 when he was a resident in the specialty of Endodontics at UConn where I am an attending endodontist. From the start I knew he was a very special individual. Tom's style in conversation and his professionalism with patients and other colleagues set him apart from many who advanced through specialty programs. He was a great man, compassionate, competent and affable. In later years I found out that he shared the same love of vintage cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles that I did. I will miss out rides together. I'll remember the times my wife Eileen and I spent with him and Ann. He is an irreplaceable friend and I will remember him always. Rest in Peace, Tom
Carolyn Frear
January 24, 2019
Ann, So sorry to hear of Tom passing. Praying for you and your family in the days to come.
Samantha Sparling
January 24, 2019
Big Tom doesnt sum up enough about how truly large and sincere this man's presence was and still is to us all.
The of the first times I had the honor of meeting him was over a pristine fish and chips dinner with all of my most precious and dearest family members.
After a great meal [ recommended by his loving wife Anne and himself to my side of the family, who let's face it... cant resist an offer for a REAL fish and chips joint meal ]...
This wonderful man hugged me so tight, smiled so big and told me "Your always welcome in my home, your a beautiful young lady and if there is anything you ever need dont hesitate to ask." -Thomas Ferretti.
These words resonated to my core and still do.
I'm sad to see Tom go, but the life he lead was always to help others, love his family and to always do the right thing. What else can you ask for?
I will miss the holiday stories, the games and the knowelage he passed on to us all who knew him.
My prayers to his family and my own, my prayers to his friends. To those two beautiful grandchildren who the name "Tompa" will forever hold value to their wonderful and very bright futures.
Thank you for being such a wonderful man, taking my little sister and us all into your family as your own.
Forever missed, always beside.
I love you Big Tom. THANK YOU for everything, rest in peace and high spirits.
Your forever with us.
Dawn Cagle
January 24, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May peace surround each of you who loved Tom and I am very sorry for your lost.
Harry Bruno
January 24, 2019
Already missing Tom.
What a great brother-in-law and friend!
I can recall many adventures with Tom and sister Ann. Sailing, fishing, skiing with kids, our annual parties.... Fourth of July, fireworks on the beach, Christmas gatherings with Oyster Loaves, and many birthdays and anniversaries! Not only was Tom a fantastic Dentist (Endodontist), he was also a beloved brother-in-law, husband to sister Ann, father, son and brother.
It has been a blessing knowing Tom all these years and being a part of his life.
I will miss his sense of humor and his quick wit and sound advice.
Rest In Peace brother Tom.
David Anderson
January 24, 2019
Tom, was the guy with the right answers whether is was suggestions on how to restore a Triumph (car) or
tactical questions while racing to Isle la Mujeres on a sailboat. And we got to pick apples with Tom & Ann in
Conn. one year. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure on knowing him.
Rich & Kate Ferretti
January 24, 2019
Can't even begin to tell you how sad we are. Tom was a self-made man who remained humble. He had an amazing life, experiencing so many wonderful adventures. We'll miss our annual visits, either in Maine or Connecticut every October since 1978. He was so important to our family and we will miss him very much. As a brother, he was always a role model and a best friend. There's a hole in our hearts, but it's filled with wonderful memories, RIP Tom, we love you
Dave Hickerson
January 24, 2019
Tom was one of a kind, a true gentleman, a kind neighbor and a true friend. Tom always had time for a chat or help with a project. Whether on the golf course, sailing or working on his cars he was dedicated and enthusiastic about his mission. He will be truly missed.
Brian&Lorraine Guiditta
January 23, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mariah Ferretti
January 23, 2019
Margaret LeBeau
January 23, 2019
Thank you for allowing "Miss Meddler" to be with you during your last days. It has been my honor to assist you and your wonderful wife, my sweet sister, Ann. I am so glad that you are not suffering anymore and that you were able to leave this world on your terms, because that was so very important to you. Rest in God's peace!
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