William E. Ferrante

William "Bill" E. Ferrante

Nov 7, 1944 – Oct 28, 2025 • Pompano Beach, Florida

A life well loved.

Bill believed every day held a lesson and a laugh. Born in New York City to Vespucci and Ann Ferrante, he was an only child in a large Italian family. He took pride in being the big brother to many cousins, forever devoted to his family. He grew into a gentle problem-solver with a builder's eye and a neighbor's heart.

Family first.

He shared life with his wife Pam and was most proud to be "Dad" to Bill, Matt (Jessica), and Chris (Brielle), and "Poppie" to 12 grandchildren. Holidays were loud, meals were long, and goodbyes always came with one more story.

Work & service.

Beginning his career at 14, he is renowned as the youngest licensed cosmetologist in NY beautician history. He began his commercial real estate career purchasing a multi-family building in Ditmars in his mid-20s before selling his business and joining his parents in Florida. After earning a B.A. in Political Science from FIU, Bill built a long career in commercial real estate. He helped shape local growth as a founding member of the Davie Economic & Development Council and on Planning & Zoning for Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. He also loved small business - Taco Grande in Pompano Beach and University Car Wash & Lube in Davie among them - and took pride in projects like a bowling alley and an office park that became places for people.

Faith anchored him at St. Maurice and St. Coleman Catholic Church, where he served on the Finance Council, as a Eucharistic Minister & Usher, and in the Men's Club. He also volunteered at Holy Cross Hospital, grateful to give back to the community that shaped him.

The not so small things.

Bill lived a life rooted in the values of his parents, building rich relationships anchored with integrity, respect, honor and a contagious sense of humor. He found comfort in "consistent people". Bill found peace in his garden, crafting pasta and pizza in his kitchen, and sunbathing on his patio with a book nearby. He loved exploring with his favorite travel partner, as he equally enjoyed befriending strangers and making his wife roll her eyes. Forever proof that the richest life can begin with a blind date, he lived 47 years with the love of his life. His north star was simple: "Life is a journey. Enjoy the journey." He lived it.

With gratitude.

The family thanks MD Anderson Cancer Center and physicians Dr. James Garner, Dr. Charles Russo, Dr. Leonard Seigel, Dr. Johnathan Levine, and Dr. Maria Cabanillas for their care.

Gathering to remember.

Visitation: Monday, Nov. 3, 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m., Vigil at 7 p.m., Baird-Case Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Funeral Mass: Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 12 p.m., St. Coleman Catholic Church, Pompano Beach, FL.

Memorial gifts

In lieu of flowers, please consider Children's Aid Club of Fort Lauderdale (childrensaidclub.org) or MD Anderson Cancer Center (gifts.mdanderson.org)