Robert W. Ferraro

WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness that the family of Robert W. Ferraro, M.D., age 88, renown and respected Orthopedic surgeon of Waterbury, shares the news of his passing on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, at the Vitas Innovative Care Unit at Saint Mary's Hospital, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Shanon (Nelson) Ferraro.

Dr. Ferraro was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on September 17, 1937, the son of the late Alphonso and Elizabeth (Solomita) Ferraro. He was a proud graduate of Crosby High School and Fairfield University, ultimately earning his medical degree from Creighton University. Dr. Ferraro devoted his life to service. He proudly served his country as a Captain and Flight Surgeon in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to his hometown and began what would become a remarkable 60-year career in orthopedic surgery, joining the Middlebury Orthopedic Group and caring for generations of patients with skill, steadiness, and compassion.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Ferraro held several respected roles, including Director of Public Health for the City of Waterbury, orthopedic surgeon for the Connecticut State Police, and a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Even in his later years, his commitment to caring for others never diminished. He continued sharing his knowledge and experience at 1st Care Chiropractic in Hamden, where he was still actively serving patients. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Ferraro was known as a generous and humble leader who gave freely of his time and talents. He quietly supported local clinics and organizations and often spent his days off providing care to those who needed it most. His life reflected a deep belief that service to others was both a privilege and a responsibility.

A lifelong car enthusiast and student of World War II history, Dr. Ferraro found his greatest happiness in the presence of his family. He shared a deep and enduring love with his beloved late wife, Shanon, and treasured every moment spent with his cherished grandchildren. A devout Roman Catholic, he found strength and peace in his faith and could often be found in prayer in one of Waterbury’s many churches. Dr. Ferraro leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, dedication, quiet strength, and unwavering service to his community. He will be remembered with deep gratitude and affection by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Left to cherish memory and honor his legacy are his children, Ronald Ferraro and his partner Nancy Valentino of Waterbury, Lisa Ferraro of New Canaan, and Gina Griffin and her husband Patrick of Wolcott. He also leaves his brother, Monsignor Ronald A. Ferraro of Waterbury, and his four adoring grandchildren, Rocky and his fiancé Taylor, Jake, Sophia, and Gabriela, as well as his cherished football family.

Funeral services for Dr. Ferraro will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 313 S. Main St, Waterbury, CT. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with the Ferraro family on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, Ct 06705. To honor Dr. Ferraro’s memory and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Autism Society of Connecticut at 103 Talcott Rd, Guilford, CT 06437. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you on the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.