Carl Mark Ferrara

Carl Mark Ferrara
"I don't like you." These four words showed how much Carl truly cared for you. Whether you were one of the many students he taught over decades of teaching, a family friend, or the waitress at a local restaurant, he always had to tease. Most were initially enamored by his charm and charisma then won over by his genuineness and compassion. Meeting this man, you might not know that he came from humble beginnings in greater Newark, NJ. Carl was born on January 23, 1951, to first generation Sicilian and Italian Americans Anne (Mobilia) Ferrara and Anthony Ferrara – both factory workers and his father a World War II veteran, who instilled the values of hard work, community service, and family.
After a long and fiercely fought battle with heart disease and with his loving family beside him, Carl Ferrara, 73, passed from this world on December 28th at Hartford Hospital. He lived in Ellington, CT for the last 25 years
Carl grew up in East Orange, NJ learning all he could about sports and becoming an outstanding athlete, particularly in football and baseball. He earned a leadership award from the city's YMCA for being a mentor to younger athletes during his school years, as well as a baseball scholarship to attend Lea College in Albert Lea, MN – becoming the first in his family to go to college. At Lea, he continued to play baseball and joined then presided over Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. Upon graduating with a baccalaureate in English, Carl had the opportunity of a lifetime to play in the baseball minor leagues for the Minnesota Twins organization. Unfortunately, knee injuries plagued him and he was forced to change careers. After several years managing retail establishments throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, he met and in 1986 married Lois (Timms) who strongly advocated for and supported him to seek out his love of teaching school and inspiring the next generation.
Carl completed his master's degree and began his next career in teaching and coaching, starting at Vernon Center Middle School and then at East Granby High School for nearly 30 years. He was an advocate for all levels of learners and made a particularly strong effort to help those with the greatest needs achieve their own success. Beyond his fierce devotion to empowering young minds, he established a builder program for Girl's Softball and coached several softball teams to conference and state-wide tournament games. In 2015 Carl was honored by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association as Connecticut's Class S Softball Coach of the Year.
Carl's passion for teaching and coaching was only surpassed by his love for family. When his daughter, Monica, was born Carl took a break from coaching to raise her. You would always see Carl in the stands whether it was at a sporting event, an awards banquet or an assembly Carl showed up for Monica. Carl held many titles in his life – son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, godfather, teacher, coach, CAP (father-in-law), and husband, but the one he cherished most was Daddy.
In retirement, as throughout his life, Carl brought warmth and humor to every relationship, his passions remained family, friends, and baseball. Since retirement, Carl became a part-time resident of Port St Lucie, FL where he and his loved ones would share music, card playing, and lots of laughter. During spring training, he and his "bros" enjoyed their annual visits to cheer on the Mets, Red Sox, and Phillies.
Carl struggled with heart disease for many years. Through it all, however, his indomitable spirit and will to live impressed those around him. He entered the hospital in October 2024 and persevered to see Monica marry Travis Wallace in his hospital room on December 1st – he trained daily to walk her down the aisle and give her away. This meant the world to him, and to all of us who loved him. At the altar, he said "take care of each other" a testament to his own lifelong values.
Afterward, Carl was given a choice: high-risk open-heart surgery with a low likelihood of recovery, or to give in to nature. Carl, ever his own man, said that he wanted to fight, and courageously underwent the surgery despite the risks. Although the complications eventually overwhelmed his body, they never broke his mind or his spirit. Like the song that played as he passed by the great Frank Sinatra, he did it "His Way".
Besides his wife of 38 years Lois Timms-Ferrara, Carl leaves the light of his life, daughter Monica Ferrara, and her husband, Travis Wallace. He is also survived by his in-laws Gregg and Ellen Timms, cousins Camille Prill of Michigan; Jim Bieber, Sharon Nicastro, Eric Bieber his wife, Solome, and son, Lucus, and Wayne Wallace of New Jersey; Dr. Elaine Wallace of Florida; and his long-time family friends the Warnocks of Enfield, CT. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Renae Ferrara; cousin Annie Bieber, and best friends Gail and Rick Warnock.
Carl's family wishes to thank their dearest friends the Van Allen and Whiting families whose love and presence were always near throughout Carl's years of battling this illness. We also hold close to our hearts with sincere appreciation the phenomenal nursing staff, doctors, PAs, and APRNs at Hartford Hospital's Bliss 10i whose compassion was well beyond their call for duty or Carl's call for popsicles.
There will be a gathering on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., and a service commencing immediately after at the Leete-Stevens Funeral home, 61 South Road in Enfield, who is in charge of the arrangements (www.leetestevens.com). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carl's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Heart Association. For online condolences, please visit leetestevens.com