Michael F. Ferrier Jr.

Michael F. Ferrier, Jr., 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in the loving arms of his beloved wife, Marie, surrounded by his devoted family. Known to just about everyone in Wilmington, Mike was a loyal family man and a steadfast friend-someone who showed up, stayed close, and built deep, lifelong friendships wherever he went. If you knew Mike, chances are you have a story about him-and chances are, he told it better.

Born in November 1951 and raised in the Cleland Heights neighborhood of Wilmington, Mike grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit family. The second child and first son of Michael F. Ferrier, Sr. and Helen I. (Osborne) Ferrier-his loving parents-he learned early the values of hard work, loyalty, and generosity. Cleland Heights was where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime, played Little League baseball, soaked up his mother's home cooking, and developed a love of rock music (with "Born to Be Wild" holding a special place in his heart). He attended St. Elizabeth Elementary School and later graduated from H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School in 1969.

Mike began his ironworker apprenticeship in 1976 and spent many dedicated years employed as an ironworker with Local 451-a role he often described as "his proudest job." His work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit later led him to own and operate several successful small businesses, including Wilmington Steel (1983–1987) and Wil-Steel (1983–2004). Alongside business partners and dear friends, Mike Connor and Frank Capano, he co-founded CFC Development Inc. and CFC Builders LLC. In recent years, Mike was also proud to lend his expertise to the legal field, working with various attorneys as an expert witness in construction management. Never one to be confined to just one passion, Mike also co-owned and helped bring to life Casa D'Amici-"House of Friends"-a beloved restaurant that perfectly reflected who he was. There, he shared his love of good food, handmade pasta, and wine, always with a seat at the table and a story to tell.

Mike was a master storyteller: some stories meticulously accurate and detailed, others generously enhanced for effect. He loved to laugh, reminisce about the old days, and make others feel at ease. He was non-judgmental, welcoming, and endlessly kind, especially with his children and grandchildren, whom he delighted with jokes and playful humor. A gifted cook, he famously hosted annual Feast of the Seven Fishes celebrations, gatherings that became treasured traditions for family and friends alike. His pride and joy was his beloved vegetable garden, which he tended with care and seriousness-and whose bounty was so impressive it supplied vegetables to local Italian restaurants including Toscana, Scalessa's, and Pastabilities. Mike was also a long-time member of Prince of Piedmont Lodge 475.

Mike also loved to travel, especially to his home in Delray Beach, Florida; to West Virginia, where his mother was raised; and throughout Europe, especially Italy and most notably Altomonte, the town of his father's ancestors, where his extended family still resides.

Above all else, Mike was a family man. He was deeply in love with his wife, Marie, to whom he was married for 48 years. Together, they were widely admired as a model of devotion-an example of what it means to choose one another, every day, with love and intention.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Michael F. Ferrier, Sr. and Helen I. Ferrier, and his in-laws, Harry H. and Ida L. Maxwell. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marie; his children, Misty (Rose) Sclavounos (Dino), John Ferrier (Shannon), and Tiffany Ferrier; his sisters and brothers: Brenda Scott (Ray), Tim (Jill), Joe (Donna), Kathy Raduszewski, and Tommy; his grandchildren; Lindsay (Alex), Sydney, Ryan, Alexa, Ella, Dean, Marissa, Finn, and Samantha; his two great-grandchildren Kaiden and Greyson and his brother- in-law and his wife, Paul and Jayne Maxwell. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Saturday, February 7, 2026 beginning at 10 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 pm at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Clayton and Cedar Streets, Wilmington. Burial will be private.

Mike's family would like to thank the staff of Bayada Hospice and Dr. Gregory Kane of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care of Mike. We would also like to thank those who prayed for him, visited him, and brought meals and sweets. He had a wonderful and loving support system.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ursuline Academy or St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, both in Wilmington, Delaware.