Photo courtesy of B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Virginia
Nov 16, 1939 – Nov 28, 2022
WILLIAMSBURG—Frank Edward Ferrante of Williamsburg, VA died on November 28, 2022 in Abingdon, VA, where he lived near his son Richard Ferrante.
Frank was born and raised in Portsmouth, VA and graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 1957. He graduated from Virginia Tech with an Electrical Engineering degree in 1962 and completed two post-graduate degrees.
Among his many achievements, Frank was president of the Williamsburg Rotary Club from 2013-2015; a member of the IEEE Board of Governors from 2007-2012, and was an Executive Partner/Adjunct in the Mason School of Business of William and Mary College from 2004-2018.
His wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen Ferrante, preceded him in death in 2020. Frank is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Miller (Lane) of Bradenton, FL; sons Richard Ferrante (Tracy) of Abingdon, VA, and Daniel Ferrante (Stephanie) of Raleigh, NC; 17 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Frank loved his family and friends and was well known for his generosity in the Williamsburg community.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 7 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth, followed by burial at Olive Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain Mission School in Grundy, VA at mmskids.org. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
Read MoreFrank was very special to me-he was my first supervisor as I started my career. He supported and challenged me and became a long time friend. We started at Northrop/Page Communications, and both also worked at MITRE. Rest in Peace my friend, until we meet again.
Dolores Derrington
December 11, 2022 | Burke, VA | Coworker
Frank was a great guy. He and Bootsie visited Pat and I here in Florida a few years ago.
His work on the St. Paul’s 50 year reunion of the class of 57 will be remembered by all of us in that class. He and Bubba Facenda , who also just passed were classmates of mine for 12 years at Dt Paul’s. Rest in Peace.
Larry Calderazzi
December 01, 2022 | Spring Hill, FL | Classmate
So sorry to hear the sad news of Frank passing.He was my close neighbor in Williamsburg and I used to chat with him mostly every day.After his wife passed,my wife and I visited him more often.Frank sold the house and moved out from Williamsburg about a year ago and we really missed his company.
We want to convey our sincere condolences to Frank’s sons and daughter and all other family members.May his soul Rest In Peace.
George Mathew
November 30, 2022 | Williamsburg, VA | Friend
My deepest heartfelt condolences.
I wasn’t fortunate enough to grow up close to the the family, however my experience with he and my Great Aunt Bootsie, will always be imprinted on my memory.
I will always picture their love and grace, as they met and welcomed my family and I into their home. That experience has left my heart smiling and wrapped up in the warmth and kindness, that radiated from the 2 of them that day.
What seemed such a causal meeting that afternoon, upon...
Shelley Newell
November 30, 2022 | Huntingtown, MD | Family
Frank was a dear longtime friend. We started school in the first grade at St Paul’s in September 1945 and were together for all of elementary school through grade 8.
He had a sweet disposition and was an easy man to like a good student in school and at Tech and a dedicated lifletime Catholic. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
My deepest sympathy is extended to his children who were deeply loved. We rarely talked in his later days without his...
Bernie Kirsch
November 30, 2022 | Virginia Beach, VA | Classmate
we love you mom and dad! thank you for all you’ve done for me and stephanie and the kids. i miss you guys!
Dan Ferrante
November 30, 2022 | Raleigh, NC | Son