Thomas Scott Ferrante

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas (Scott) Ferrante announce his passing on March 23, 2026 in Gainesville, FL.
In the last 18 months, with a terminal illness hanging over his head, Scott did what he did best; he set an example to all who knew him by never complaining, loving life and living it to the fullest.
Scott's life was one big adventure. Born 1963 in New York to Thomas and Sharolyn Ferrante, Scott was the youngest of three children. Much of his childhood was spent moving from town to town until finally landing in Florida. His father instilled in him an entrepreneurial spirit, and his mother taught him the importance of education and love of the natural world.
After attending Sea Camp in Big Pine Key, Scott earned his SCUBA certification at the age of 13. This sparked a lifelong love for being on the water. Soon enough, he was learning how to sail. Later, he carried this love through racing Hobie Cats during his college years and traveling to exotic places for windsurfing. During COVID, he received a phone call from his fraternity brother and close friend, Tom. Tom asked if he wanted to go on an adventure, as he had just gotten off the phone with the owner of a large sailboat that was looking for two people to help sail from Chesapeake Bay to the Florida Keys. A few days later, Scott was on a plane. The six-week journey was far from what they expected, but he and Tom had the time of their life.
Scott attended the University of Florida and received a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. While attending UF, he joined Phi Delta Theta and met many lifelong friends. The annual Phi Delta trip to the Florida Keys was something that he looked forward to and cherished every year.
Meeting the love of his life in 1994, Scott and Dawn married on the beach in 1997. Together they built a dream life...bought a house, bought a boat, had two kids, started a business and found the perfect balance of work and play. Annual family vacations to National Parks sparked a love for hiking. This was something that he continued to do throughout his treatments.
Scott could always be counted on to lend a hand when needed. As a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, he picked up many skills and prided himself as the ultimate DIY'er. If he didn't know how to do something, he had cousin Pete to turn to. Together they plotted and planned multiple kitchen and bath remodels.
To say Scott was compelled to help someone in need would be an understatement. He truly felt it was his duty if he were able. From post-hurricane clean-ups and rebuilds at Tom's house in the Keys, to helping family and friends with odd jobs, Scott got so much joy out of helping others. Along with his big sister Drue, he assisted Timmie Global Health in bringing healthcare to remote villages in Guatemala and Ecuador.
He loved boating, fishing, reading and disc golf and had the opportunity to enjoy these activities nearly every day of his adult life. Always a smile on his face, Scott loved meeting new people and exchanging stories. One time engaging the operator on a cable car in San Francisco to complete distraction, we missed our turn. We stopped on the tracks and the transportation emergency team had to come push the cable car back up the hill.
After his diagnosis in October 2024, it was only natural for Scott to reflect on his life. When evaluating what he was most proud of, it wasn't his two successful businesses or his life savings. It was the realization that he lived a full life - filled with travel and new experiences. It was the realization that his children not only share that same passion, but learned from him the value of hard work, believing in yourself, kindness and life-long learning.
Scott is predeceased by his parents Thomas Ferrante and Sharolyn Coward.
He is survived by his wife Dawn; daughter Mia; son Kyle; sisters Drue and Laura Ferrante; aunt Carol Diepeveen (Bob), father-in-law Fred Lindsey; mother-in-law Linda Niswender (Jim); sisters-in law Tina Bowen (Boone), Kelly Weller (Brian); cousins Heather Smiley (Dave), Pete Diepeveen (Kelly), Marcy Diepeveen Harris (Glenn); nieces and nephews Travis (Emily) and Kelsey Hession, Devon and Dane Myers, Moss Bowen, Alex and Ellis Weller.
A celebration of life will take place in Asheville, NC this summer and in St. Peterburg, FL in fall.