Name: Calling hours for Msgr. Joseph A. Ferraro
Start: 2021-01-09T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-01-09T02:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Ann Church

Msgr. Joseph A. Ferraro, a retired priest who served 30 years as a military Chaplain, was a priest of the Diocese of Oakland and in retirement assisted at Parishes in Manatee County, died Dec. 18, 2020. He was 79.

Born in Philadelphia in 1942, as a young man Msgr. Ferraro attended Catholic schools is Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, and later attended Holy Trinity College and St. Mary's Seminary, both in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood May 20, 1967, in Baltimore for the Trinitarian Order (Order of the Most Holy Trinity).

As a priest, Msgr. Ferraro first served as a prison chaplain in New Jersey, as well as assisting at St. James Parish in Trenton, New Jersey before becoming a teacher at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland.

In 1969 he was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy, which led to a 30-year career as a Navy chaplain. While a chaplain, he served with the U.S. Third Marine Division, Vietnam, followed by duty with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, Okinawa; U.S. Coast Guard Training Center, Petaluma, California; Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan; Construction Battalion Center-Seabees, Port Hueneme, California; Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy; Oakland Naval Hospital, Oakland, California; and the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, Alameda, California. He was promoted to Captain in 1986. Father Ferraro also served as Command Chaplain, U.S. Pacific Submarine Force, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California; Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California; and then with the U.S. Naval Forces, Rota, Spain. Msgr. Ferraro was incardinated to the Diocese of Oakland in 1988.

It was in 1999 that he was selected by St. John Paul II as honorary prelate, garnering the title of Monsignor. That same year Msgr. Ferraro was also awarded the Legion of Merit, a military award of the U.S. armed forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. In 1979, he was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps medal for heroism when he saved the lives of a family in Oxnard, California, which was being held hostage by a distraught woman.

Within the Diocese of Venice, Msgr. Ferraro assisted primarily at Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto, and Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles in Bradenton, Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch and St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota. He was recognized as a Golden Jubilarian during the 2017 Diocese of Venice Chrism Mass.

Funeral arrangements are pending. A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Cross Parish at a later date. Pray for the repose of the soul of Msgr. Joseph A. Ferraro and for the consolation of his family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Catholic from Dec. 22, 2020 to Jan. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ferraro

Sponsored by Galzerano Funeral Home - Bristol.

23 Entries

Ken Duncan

December 16, 2025

I´m a Nurse Practitioner. I was with him during his last days and for that I am blessed.
God´s Peace Joe

Bishop Kevin Vann

November 22, 2023

Msgr. Ferraro and I were in the same sabbatical group at the North American College in the Fall of 1999. We became good friends and continued that relationship through the years . Our friendship, sharing and ministry together was a gift of that experience for me. On occasion I would play the piano and he would sing. May the Lord receive him into Eternal Life. +Kevin Vann- Bishop of Orange CA.

Jean Flores

March 27, 2022

I am so very sad to hear this. I spoke to him just before he passed away, but had no idea. He sat by my bedside and prayed with me when I was pregnant with my youngest and having problems after four miscarriages. We visited him Naples later on that year and he flew to Germany to baptize our Joseph, now almost 23, who we named after him.

Jane Shambour

December 16, 2021

Monsignor's Homilies and Navy Stories to remember him. "My Dear People".
Holy Cross Palmetto.

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Conrad and Gloria Mallek

December 2, 2021

We were just talking about a Navy Chaplain today and thought about Father Joe. We were saddened to learn that he passed last year. Father Joe married us in April 1991 at the US Naval Training Center Chapel, MCRD, San Diego. He will be always remembered.

Kenneth Duncan

March 7, 2021

I had the honor of meeting him and caring for him in his final days. He left a lasting impression on my life

Julie Degen

January 9, 2021

Monsignor Joseph Ferraro, known to us as Father Joe, was our priest at the Navy Base where we attended church when I was a child living in Italy in the 1970s and early 80s. Our family stayed in touch through the years and Father Joe even officiated at EJ’s and my wedding in 1987.
Father Joe was beloved everywhere he went....he was the most charismatic priest that I’ve known. Some of my greatest memories from my childhood are of Father Joe singing. He had an INCREDIBLE voice and everyone always looked forward to the parts of Mass that he would sing. I also remember the Italian songs (especially O Sole Mio) with which he would serenade us at dinners. Those whose lives he touched are blessed to have known him.

The Pierces

January 7, 2021

We love you! We’ll miss you. Though, we are happy you see the face of God.

R.J. Wagner

January 5, 2021

We didn't lose an angel today...we lost a saint. Monsignor Joseph Ferraro was a true saint and should be considered for this. He was a special gift from God that made an impact on many lives. I'll always love and never forget him for the impact he has made on my life. He WILL be seated at the right hand of our Father. God bless you and He has blessed you Father Joe.. Rest in Peace..

Madelon & Chuck Diaz

January 4, 2021

How very blessed we were to be parishioners at Holy Cross in Palmetto for 15 years and to experience the priestly ministry of Monsignor. His "always prepared" homilies, old world charm and humility were always a sign to us of his holiness. His life and ministry was truly a gift from God to all who knew him. Monsignor Joe, pray for us.

Eileen

January 4, 2021

I feel both humbled and blessed to have known him. My condolences to family and friends. Rest In Peace Joe. You have earned it.

Jane Shambour

January 3, 2021

Monsignor was like a brother to me. I often told him that he lived his life exactly as he gave his Homilies. He will be greatly missed.

James F. De Gour

January 3, 2021

I first met Monsignor Ferraro in 1970 at Camp Hanson, Okinawa while serving in the U.S.M.C. where "Father Joe", as I called him, was base chaplain. As we were both fellow Bristolians from Saint Ann parish it was only natural that we became friends. My family was later honored by having Monsignor Ferraro as Godfather of my oldest son James. Although I have not seen him in many years, I will always carry fond memories of Monsignor Ferraro. The Monsignor led a very complete life having served God, Country and his fellow man.
May he rest in peace.

January 2, 2021

May you find comfort and peace.

Frank and Carol Coughlin

January 1, 2021

Gary and family our sincerest condolences. Carol and I were immensely saddened when notified yesterday of the death of our dear friend Father Joe. We overlapped in Pearl Harbor in 1990 and became friends for life. He officiated our daughter’s wedding in 2003 and was a frequent correspondent after moving to Florida. He was instrumental in inspiring us to walk the Camino de Santiago, after his twilight tour in Rota Spain.

Rest in peace, our dear friend.

Frank and Carol Coughlin

Dennis J. O'Malley

January 1, 2021

RIP Captain, we have the watch
Anchors Aweigh
Former Navy Lt.

Dennis J. O'Malley

January 1, 2021

We were fortunate enough to know Monsignor Ferraro personally when we lived in Palmetto, Fl and were parishioners at Holy Cross. He was loved by all and his homilies were legendary.

Dave Gregory

January 1, 2021

I had the opportunity, as an Altar Boy, to serve more than 50 of Monsignor Ferraro’s Masses in 1980 & 1981. His demonstration of caring and loving others as a servant leader set a standard I still try to attain today. Jesus was truly present when Father Joe prayed the Mass. I feel blessed to have known him and will always remember him. My condolences to family and friends. He made us all better.

December 31, 2020

My condolences to the family. May you find comfort in knowing that under God's Kingdom on earth, aging and death will no longer happen, as imperfection and bad conditions will be things of the past. (Isaiah 65:17-25.)

Jane Salik

December 31, 2020

Father Joe was one of my best friends in San Diego. He was so charming and intelligent and most of all, he was down to earth. He gave more to everyone than anyone I’ve known.
Rest In Peace Joe, we will never forget you.

Ann Zonderman

December 30, 2020

Thank you for being a treasure in my life and time of need. I am honored to have connected and reconnected with you. My heart sends peace and love.

Elizabeth DePalo

December 23, 2020

Buona Notte my Italian Monsignor Friend, Your earthly work is done, You were God's messenger His light shined through You, grazie for all the prayers, spiritual guidance, Masses for me and my famiglia, Your homilies reached us, our Italian heritage, traditions and food was a special bond we shared as You said "Liz, You are like family" feeling blessed with Your friendship, may You watch over all the good people of Holy Cross from Your Heavenly home,Your light will always shine in our hearts, Buon Natale, You will be missed, Liz, Joe and famiglia, Your Calabrian friends

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results