Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Ferrier Obituary
Born in Taunton, Mass., he was the son of the late Stanley and Mabel (Gereen) Ferrier and was a Mystic resident for the past 35 years.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961. His career in the Navy culminated in the commands of the USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599) from 1976-78, USS Dallas (SSN-700) from 1978-82 and USS Orion (AS-18) from 1986-89. After retiring from the Navy, he worked at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site in Colorado for seven years.
He loved and was very proud of his family. Along with his wife, he leaves four children, Denise M. Arnott of Salem, Lisa M. Stevens and her husband, Robert, of Mystic, Michael R. Ferrier of Boston, Mass. and Matthew J. Ferrier and his wife, Heidi, of Mystic; brother, David W. Ferrier of Tennessee; and eight grandchildren, Victoria, Matthew and John Stevens, Alexander, Steven, and Madison Arnott and Nathaniel and Daniel Ferrier.
His family will receive friends and family from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1 (51 Williams Ave.), Mystic. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main St., Mystic. His burial will be private with full military honors at the convenience of the family.
His favorite and most famous line in life was, "The stupid will be punished," this will live on after him.
He was an avid reader and enjoyed all the war and adventure books in the Mystic Noank Library. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut (www.hospicesect.org) or the Mystic Noank Library (www.mysticnoanklibrary.org).
Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online message of condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Ferrier
Sponsored by Wardroom, USS Dallas (SSN-700).
Mark Hughes
October 1, 2023
Mark Hughes
October 1, 2023
Mark Hughes
October 1, 2023
For Don & Mary's children and their families:
Here is a high-resolution photo of USS DALLAS (SSN-700) on her initial "alpha" sea trials -- which only surfaced in the last several years -- and a photo of the boat during her final port call in Bremerton, Washington on May 23, 2017.
You had some amazing parents which all of us on the boat appreciated very much...both then and now.
Best Regards.
Mark Hughes
November 27, 2013
Dear Mary,
I hope you know just how much your husband was an inspiration to all of us on the original crew of USS Dallas. Can well remember, as a shiny-faced young Ensign, having to once go before him early-on in the ship's life to report as to how someone had misappropriated a particular torque wrench, which had been specially marked due to its intended use for sampling reactor coolant.
As I shuffled into his office on the barge for 'the talk' -- not unreasonably terrified -- he thundered at me the moment I walked in the door, "Am I going to have to be very *angry* with you, Mr. Hughes??" I somehow replied with an unattributed quote: "Well, Captain...an angry man is seldom reasonable; a reasonable man is seldom angry."
To my surprise, he laughed...and we talked about the missing wrench, which had thankfully only been used before we had ever brought the reactor up to power. However he left me with an admonition and the kind of stern countenance that only Captain Ferrier could muster, but which thankfully included a barely recognizable smile: "Don't let it happen again...or I will have to become very *unreasonable* with you, Mr. Hughes."
Don was tough, honest and fair...and one of the finest I ever served with. Thank you for sharing him with us, Mary, and may God's tender mercies bring you peace.
Semper Fidelis, Captain. Thank you for being our tough-as-bolts skipper.
Wardroom, USS Dallas (SSN-700)
November 26, 2013
Sandy DeVeau
October 14, 2013
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Don's witty comments. May your many memories together bring you comfort. God bless you.
October 13, 2013
Mary,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Lee Densmore
Vicki and Wil Cooke
October 13, 2013
Dearest Mary and family,
Wil and I were so saddened to find out your news today. Only the fondest of memories surround Don and you. The Dallas was truly our first Navy family.
While Wil and Don forged ahead on the new construction of Dallas you opened your home and family to ours. We had many wonderful and memorable times. Don will be sadly missed. Our love to you, Denise, Matthew, Lisa and Michael. Vicki and Wil
October 10, 2013
My Dear Mary and Family.
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father, my heart fills with tears at the loss of Don. I have know him for more that 40 years and have yet to find anyone more respected, honored and loved. When he would come down to the Jersey Shore on vacation his eyes would lite up at the thoughts of getting to Atlantic City, the beach and trying his hand at fishing. No matter what he did in life it was for the benefit of all. I remember one time, I think it was in Kitery, Maine or Gales Ferry the antenna for the 13" TV (big spender) was going crazy and someone needed to adjust it up on the roof. Well we all know that Don wasn't going up there, he was made for the water not the air, so up I went, 3 stories high. In his thoughtful way he must have thought, what would happen if she fell, I know I will give her my bombers jacket to put on, it was made of leather and had good padding, that should protect her. So up I went, adjusted the antenna as the children yelled up to me all is well and down I came. Mission accomplished. For all of the funny times that we shared I bid you Donald, farewell and to the family I bid you our love.
Aunt Chrissy and Uncle Buzzy
October 9, 2013
Dear Mary and family-
Scott and I are so sad to hear of Don's passing. What a great neighbor and man. He was so determined and proud! We'll miss him. My Mom is in Ireland- she'll be so sad for your loss.
Love,
Laura and Scott Jamison
Larry Lee
October 8, 2013
Matt,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Your friend Larry Lee
Jim
October 7, 2013
I'm very sorry for your loss, I worked at EB during the time the 700/Dallas was under construction. I had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Farrier during that time, he was actually quite engaging and nice to the yard workers. I later ironically ran into Don and had the good fortune to work directly with him at Rocky Flats when he managed the Solar Ponds Environmental project, he was really entertaining and some great sayings. I never heard the saying the stupid will be punished but I can hear him saying it in my mind right now. Don called me Mr. Mustache which stuck for a long time at Rocky Flats. I always had great respect for Don, again sorry for your loss.
Beth & Children
Elizabeth Livingston
October 7, 2013
To a wonderful family so dear to me, I remember all of you back to Hawaii in the 60's. The Captain was stern and sweet to me. Love you all and Hugs, Beth Livingston & Children
Gene Hunsucker
October 7, 2013
Used in my home and especially directed towards my Grand Children "the stupid will be punished". I never served under Captain Ferrier however I did go to sea on DALLAS once on a short sea trial for some reason? I was setting in the CPO quarters because I had nothing assigned to do and just another body in the way for those who had something to do and, the CPO quarters was playing it's maneuvering watch theme song quite loudly, Pink Floyd performing "All we are is just Another brick in the Wall". A knock came on the CPO quarters door, the door opened and it was Captain Ferrier. I got "the look" and he was gone. Although doing nothing wrong and being responsible for nothing, after "the look" I felt like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar but, I did not know why,, it was "the look" just seemed to singe the feathers right off you. Afterwards he always spoke to me "Chief" when passing or "gave me that look again". Seems I use "the look" and it's many variations a lot according to my family. The look can actually accomplish much without resulting in a long winded or one sided discussion. The look enables you to keep your blood pressure lower, I think. Captain Ferrier was a master of "the look". A memorable individual for certain and I learned a few things from his leadership style. Prayers for all who will miss him. God bless us all and God bless America.
Pam & Grant Legare
October 7, 2013
In our hearts and in our prayers, with much love.
Patrice & Roger Diebel
October 7, 2013
Our prayers are for you and your family at this most difficult time. I had the honor of serving under the Command of Captain Ferrier onboard USS Dallas. I will always remember "The Captain" for his great leadership and wonderful sense of humor.
David Piela
October 7, 2013
Condolences to your family.
P.J. Melher
October 6, 2013
Mary, I still use the the phrase 'The stupid will be punished", when needed. Over 30 years! I never thought or knew where I picked that up. Wow, now I know. Actually as his "Chief of the Boat" on the Dallas, I or someone in the crew got to experience this comment on several occasions. Along with the comment you also got the "look" with the raised eyebrow and tilted head. He was an awesome Commanding Officer and someone who had a hugh impact on my life in many ways.
William Phillips
October 6, 2013
I was proud to serve under Captain Ferrier aboard the USS Dallas. He was tough, but fair. Expecting the most out of himself and his crew. I will never forget my time aboard the Dallas under his command. May God bless and keep your family.
H. Darrell Callicutt
October 6, 2013
Matt and family sorry for your loss. Shipmate rest your oars you watch is completed. RIP. Darrell
October 6, 2013
Mary and family, we will miss Don and his great , dry sense of humor. We always enjoyed our time with both of you and often remember your trip to Cape Cod. We enjoyed his stories, one about Tom Clancy being on his sub was great. This week they both have moved on to a greater spot. Mary, your strength as a navy wife of a commander was always astounding. You exemplify the quiet determination and dignity of every navy wife. God bless you and your family at this difficult time. Love , Janet and Larry Chappel
October 6, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to you all. We are thinking of you.
~Wayne, Kelley, Tyler & Jarrett Hebert
October 6, 2013
Mary - I was honored to be Don's roommate for nearly three years at the Naval Academy. He was a rock of logic, always watching out for Mulgew and I.
Our Navy careers took us on different paths, but I cherish the memories.
May he rest in peace.
Dick "Mish" Michaux and Joanie
Susie & Guy Mendenhall
October 6, 2013
Mary - Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time of great sorrow. The Navy, the Nation and our community have also lost a dear friend and respected shipmate.
Guy & Susie Mendenhall
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Ferrier's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Ferrier
How to support Donald's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Ferrier's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
