Modestina R. Ferraro

Modestina R. "Tootsie" (Savastano) Ferraro, 99 of Methuen, MA, passed away on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 at Port Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Newburyport, surrounded by her family. Born in Lawrence, she was the daughter of the late Crescenzo and Christina (Miele) Savastano.

Modestina attended schools in Lawrence, MA where she was raised and lived for the greater part of her life before moving to Methuen. She was part of the family business, the legendary Savastano's Catering and Restaurant, until its closing in the mid-70s. She was a member of Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church and St. Rita's Sodality. She was also a former member of the Toiler's Women's Auxiliary Club and member of their bowling team. Known by many as Nana or Tootsie, she was the typical Italian grandmother who enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting and going to the casinos. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Modestina was predeceased by her late husband, Joseph A. Ferraro; her siblings, Harry and Ralph Savastano, Lucy Zompa, Julia Messina, Florence Grande, Anna Muraca, Carmela "Snookie" Savastano, Rita Piccirillo, and Tommasina Grillo.

She is survived by her son, Robert DeLucia and his wife Linda of Lawrence, her daughter Carla and her husband Daniel O'Carroll of Methuen, her daughter Janice and her husband Michael Gover of Atkinson, NH; her grandchildren, Nicholas and Kate-Lynn Delucia of Lawrence, Ryann and Kalleigh O'Carroll of Methuen, and Brittany and her husband Christian Bergeron of Derry, NH, and Mathew Gover of Atkinson, NH; and her great-granddaughter Aerin Bergeron. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Modestina's family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the staff at Port Rehabilitation Center in Newburyport and the many hospice staff members who took care of her in her final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Research in her name.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, December 5th, 2025 from 9:00AM – 11:00AM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St, Methuen, MA. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM in the funeral home chapel following calling hours. Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence.