Salvatore Ferraro

Salvatore Ferraro, Ph.D., 64, of Palm Harbor, Fla., passed away March 13, 2016.

Born in the Pittston Hospital on March 18, 1951, to Ralph and Ann (Chasko) Ferraro, he was raised in Exeter and later lived in the Back Mountain area with his wife Betsy Sorber Ferraro and son Ryan until retiring from the Luzerne Intermediate Unit in 2003.

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, the former Betsy Sorber of Hunlock Creek, granddaughters Natalie Sorber and Ariella Booth; daughter-in-law Jessica Caines Booth and husband, Michael, Hanover Township; brother Ralph Jr. and wife, Joanne (Aponick) of Nanticoke and sister Anita Parsons and husband, Bernie, Estero, Florida. He also leaves two nieces, two nephews, four grand-nephews and three grand-nieces.

Dr. Ferraro graduated from Wyoming Area High School in 1969, attended Mansfield University, Wilkes University, Marywood University Graduate School of Psychology and University of Scranton Graduate School of Education, receiving the title and certification as a reading specialist in 1979. He was granted a master's level of achievement in psychology and reading from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and eventually earned his doctorate in degree in instructional technology and distance education from Nova Southeastern University, Florida.

He was employed by the Luzerne Intermediate Unit, Kingston for over 33 years as a certified reading specialist and math teacher and eventually headed the LIU's Technology Department, playing an instrumental part in establishing the high-speed internet service to Luzerne County's public schools service by the LIU.

In 1981, after becoming self-taught in computer programming, his knowledge of computers and education provided an opportunity to become a representative for Texas Instruments, Lubbock, Texas, at its service center in Fort Washington, Philadelphia, where he worked as Eastern Pennsylvania's coordinator of product support representatives between 1981 through 1984. Afterward, he started and operated Micro Solutions Training and Consulting, providing technology consulting to area businesses, most notably The United States Department of Defense, Chamberlin Munitions Corporation, Scranton, Sesame Place, a Division of the Children's Television Network, Langhorn, and IBM's Educational Training Division, Scranton. Later in his career, Dr. Ferraro also served as an adjunct professor in the Information, Science and Technology Department at the Pennsylvania State University Lehman Campus between 1999 and 2003.

In 1966, he earned his varsity letter during his freshman year on the Exeter football team as a quarterback and defensive back. In 1969, he was a member of the Wyoming Area district golf championship team and won the Junior Club Championship at Happy Valley Golf Course, Exeter. In addition to his passion for golf, he was particularly fond of driving his numerous Corvettes. He also belonged to the Pittston Lions Club between 1978 and 1982 and served as the president and secretary.

While living in Florida, he was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, Palm Harbor, Fla. He and his wife explored the beaches and historical sites of Florida, visiting museums, and traveling to nature preserves. The Ferraro family extends a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Charles Manganiello and his staff for all their care and support as well as Dr. Karon LoCicerio, Tampa. Friends may pay respect by contributing to the SPCA of Wyoming Valley. A private memorial will be held at Caladesi Island, Clearwater, Florida, at a time yet to be determined.