Alan Ferrara

1948 - 2024

Alan Ferrara
07/26/1948 - 08/15/2024
Alan Charles Ferrara
7/26/1948 – 8/15/ 2024
Alan Charles Ferrara passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital in San Francisco on August 15 just three weeks after the 25th anniversary of his marriage to his loving husband, Dr. Allan Gold and then his 76th birthday. He died from complications related to Parkinson's Disease, contracted from exposure to Agent Orange while on duty in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was predeceased by his mother, Willie Mae Marshall Ferrara, his father, Alphonse Ferrara, and his former partner, John Weisinger.
Alan grew up in Brooklyn, with summers in Gainesville, Texas, his mother's childhood home. His parents met and married in Texas during World War II, where his father, Alphonse Ferrara, was stationed at a POW camp situated on his mother's family property. The couple moved to Brooklyn, New York, where brother, Gary, was born seven years after Alan.
Following high school graduation, Alan entered the Army, serving from 1967–1969. After his military service as a nurse, he earned a nursing degree at the University of Maryland, and began a long career as a nurse, most often in obstetrics, assisting in the birth of numerous babies. He was an extremely good nurse, adored by his patients for his kindness and loving, thoughtful care.
A marriage to his high school girlfriend, Barbara Bova, in 1969 ended in divorce, but with an enduring friendship. Eight years with beloved partner, Rabbi John Weisinger, ended with John's death from AIDS in Chicago in 1992. Following this death, Alan moved to the Bay Area, where he met his husband, Allan. Together, Alan and Allan travelled throughout the world, including wonderful trips throughout the United States and to the Caribbean, France, Italy, Sicily, The British Isles, Russia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Germany Korea, and Japan. Many of these trips were shared with the family and friends who were so dear to him.
When he was able, Alan actively pursued many interests: needlepoint, quilting, cooking, gardening, entertainment, film stars, pre-Revolutionary Russian history, caring for his beloved pets, and visiting with many friends. During the years 2001-2010, he was proprietor of Elaine Magnin, a needlepoint store on Sacramento Street in San Francisco. Friendliness, wide selection, good value, and customer service were always his top priorities.
If anyone lived an authentic life, it was Alan; he had strong convictions and emotions, both positive and negative. Yet, to be loved by him was to be truly blessed. A most generous person, there was nothing he wouldn't do for a friend, if it was at all within his ability. The quality of his last years, however, was greatly diminished by Parkinson's Disease, especially following a serious fall down his home stairs in December 2021. The care he received at the VA Hospital was excellent and appreciated. He wanted to give special thanks to his caretaker, Maria De Leon, who worked for and with him for more than twenty years.
Alan is survived by his generous and dear husband, Dr. Allan P Gold, having been together for 29 years; his brother, Gary Ferrara (Debbie), of Gibsonville, North Carolina; their children, Jason (Laura Beth), Brandy (Adam), Faith (Jonathan); six grandnieces/nephews (Celia, Gabriella, Ashton, Zeb, Brooklyn, and Shelby); one great grandnephew (Renzo); cousins, Helen (T.R.) and Philip (Lynn); his godson, Sloan Kodroff; and the four godchildren he shared with Allan; Ryan George, Alyson George, Coleman Rosenberg, and Daniel Meyer-O'Keeffe. These individuals and his many friends were all beloved to him.
A spiritual person, Alan was raised Catholic and maintained a love for the Church; He converted to Judaism in his late 30's and received benefit from both religions. A Jewish service and burial is scheduled for 1:30 pm Monday August 19th at the Chapel at Hills of Eternity in Colma and burial at the nearby Congregation Sha'ar Zahav cemetery at Hills of Eternity.
Alan's love for his many pets was legendary. They were a constant source of solace for him; he was a devoted "dad", whose face lit up whenever they were near. He will always be close to his dogs Amber, Raven, Maggie, and Shea and his cats Sasha, Chelsea, and Susie. Per his wishes, donations in Alan's memory can be made to Alley Cat (alleycat.org), Pet's Rest (petsrest.com; 1905 Hillside Blvd, Colma, CA. 94014) or any animal charity of your choice.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.