Richard L. Ferrara

It is with deep love and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard L. Ferrara, loving husband, father, and pop-pop. Richie left us suddenly, yet peacefully on June 10, 2025.
Richie was born on December 18, 1937 to Emma and Michael Ferrara in the Bronx. He was the youngest of three boys (Michael Jr. and Thomas). As a child Richie enjoyed playing baseball and quickly became a lifelong Yankees fan. He graduated from Columbus High School.
After graduation he worked at a bakery for a year and then decided to enlist in the army. Richie was a soldier who everyone could count on and was entrusted to stand guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while stationed at Fort McNair, in Washington DC.
Upon being honorably discharged Richie met the love of his life, Leona T. Novak (Lee). Richie soon asked Lee to be his wife on the 14th of February and they were then married on October 14th, 1967. The number 14 quickly became their lucky number as they welcomed both of their boys (Anthony and Raymond) on the 14th of their birth months.
Each summer Richie enjoyed traveling with Lee and his boys to Wildwood, New Jersey for a week's vacation. These trips were always recalled dearly and marked with laughter, late night card games, and walks along the boardwalk. Together Richie and Lee built a beautiful life that traveled from New York to New Jersey, back to New York, to Florida, and finally back to New York again. For their 25th wedding anniversary Richie and Lee traveled to Italy and Switzerland. They celebrated their 50th with a family party.
In 2006, Rich's son Ray joined hands with Deborah Zaccaro in holy matrimony. Rich relished his role as father-in-law and welcomed Deb into the family with loving arms. Soon Rich became a pop-pop to Jack, Benjamin, and Samuel. He enjoyed attending their school and sporting events where he was always cheering. Rich's legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his quick wit and easy laugh. Rich will be missed dearly by all.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the American Heart Association.