Joseph Ferrang

1926 - 2025

Our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother, Joseph Emerald Ferrang passed peacefully on Friday, September 26, at Arroyo Gardens in Green Valley, his home since 2019. Joe was three weeks short of his 99th birthday.
Joe was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on October 17, 1926, the oldest son of Emmett and Anna Ferrang. He was preceded in death by four of his five siblings and survived by his youngest brother, Jack Ferrang (Rose) of Franklin, PA.
Joe served his country in WWII, enlisting in the Coast Guard at the age of 17. He was sent to the south pacific where he was a sailor aboard a coast guard ship supplying the US PT boats among other missions and duties.
After the war, Joe met the love of his life, Mary Stuthers, at the popular dance pavilion, Linden Grove near Pittsburgh. They were married on November 8, 1947. Joe and Mary had three children, Joseph Ferrang Jr, (Marion) of Sewickley, PA; the late Edward Ferrang (Carole) of Augusta, GA; and Elaine Lewis (Kevin) of Green Valley, AZ. Joe and Mary were married 71 years before her passing in 2019.
In 1978, Joe and Mary moved to Green Valley after purchasing a home in Country Club Vistas, where they lived until 2019. Joe was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church where he enjoyed his passion for singing by becoming a founding member of the choir. He also enjoyed singing barbershop with the Green Valley Aires and the Tucson Sunshine Chorus. He loved singing even to this day, often joining other Arroyo Gardens residents in sing-a-longs.
Joe and Mary had a passion for traveling and enjoyed many wonderful cruises throughout the world. In his later years he traveled often with daughter Elaine and son-in-law Kevin on numerous cruises as well as annual summer trips to Cabo San Lucas, MX.
In addition to his children, Joe had three grandchildren, Lois Lewis McGinnis (Jeremiah) of Chandler, AZ, and Jessica and Ashley Ferrang, both of Augusta, GA. He also has several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Joe spent his last six years as a resident of Arroyo Gardens, the first five years in the independent living apartments. As his need for additional care increased he moved to the Casa Bonita wing. Joe had an everlasting smile. Throughout his years he would weave a joke or a story into most conversations with friends, relatives, and even his doctors. He was known by the other residents at Arroyo Gardens for his humor. He always had a story or a joke for anyone who would listen, and he took great pride in creating smiles and chuckles in others. You couldn't help but smile when you saw Joe coming your way.
His family wishes to thank the staff of Arroyo Gardens for the wonderful care afforded to Joe. The caregivers, activity, culinary, reception, housekeeping and management staff all treated Joe with a friendly and professional manner. In Joe's final months, Catalina Hospice was amazing and kept Joe comfortable until the end. We are very grateful for their excellent care and service.
A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church on Monday, October 6th, at 10 a.m., with a rosary at 9:30 a.m. He will join his wife Mary as he is laid to rest in the Green Valley Cemetery.