Michael J. Ferraro

Michael J. Ferraro, 87, passed away May 11, 2024, after a brief illness. Mike was born in Chicago into a first-generation Italian-American household to Francesco Ferraro, and Antoinette Parisi. He grew up surrounded by extended family, which after the death of Mike’s mother grew to include his stepmother, Maria Papeo, and her sisters, Lina and Angela. After Mike’s graduation from Kelvyn Park High School he completed an associate program at Wright Junior College and worked as a draftsman at Peter’s Machinery for most of his career. 

Mike met Patricia Connolly as captain of their bowling team. They married in 1967 and had two boys, Michael and Matthew. He was a devoted father, heavily involved in coaching baseball where he spent quality time with his sons and made numerous lifelong friendships. He never missed an opportunity to play catch, to watch his kids play in other sports or to attend their music concerts. He was also a proud Papa to his grandchildren, Connolly, Adam and Kate, all of whom brought him joy with any visit. 

Mike’s adult life was spent in Franklin Park, where his children were raised, and many great friendships were made. Later in life Mike and Patti spent much of their winters in Ft. Myers, Florida, always a happy place for them. They spent time there with many of their friends from Franklin Park, and many new friends they met there.

Mike was predeceased by his wife, his parents, his stepmother, his brother Joseph, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his sons, his daughter-in-law, his grandchildren and many cousins. 

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at St. Gertrude’s church, 9613 Schiller Blvd., Franklin Park, IL 60131. The mass will be immediately followed by inurnment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Belmont & Cumberland Avenues, River Grove, IL 60171 followed by a lunch.

We appreciate your memories of, and prayers for, Michael. We encourage anyone who would like to donate in his memory, to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, a Chicago-based charity dedicated to finding a cure: https://www.alz.org.

For information please call Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home at (847) 678-1950 or www.sax-tiedemann.com.