Joseph J. Ferrara of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, October 22, 2016 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.  He was 84 years old.  Born in Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John B. Ferrara and the late Anna Iannucci Ferrara.

Joe graduated from St. James High School in Chester, Delaware County and LaSalle University.  He completed his Master's degree at Temple University.  He student taught in New Jersey and began his long career in education in 1957 as a teacher in Ridley Township before becoming a principle in the Chester-Upland School District.  He retired in 1985 after 28 years as a dedicated educator.  Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army and enjoyed attending annual veterans dinners.  A faithful and devout Catholic that attended daily Mass, Joe was a member of St. Cornelius Catholic Church, where he participated on their first parish council.  He was lector, cantor, choir member and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.  Joe loved his walks and spending time at the pool at their home in Venice, Florida.  Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.  He will be missed by all who ever met him.

He was the beloved husband for 60 years of Lorraine Ferrara (nee DiLacqua); father of John Ferrara (Luz), Karen Ferrara, Joseph Ferrara, Anne Ferrara (Alberto Lopez), Lori Revoldt (Paul); grandfather of Alicia Ferrara, Robert Bush, Johnathan Bush, Sean Daniels, Joe Ferrara, Julian Barone, Susan Rinnier and her husband Shawn, Francesca Lopez, Joseph Amen, Nina Amen, Jessica Dray and her husband Todd; great-grandfather of Angelina Stevens, Gianni Bush, Shawn Rinnier, Anna Rinnier, Jane Rinnier, Catarina Amen, Nathan Dray and Hailey Dray; brother of Francis Ferrara, Esq. and the late Frances Curran.

A viewing will be from 9:00AM until 10:00AM on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at St. CORNELIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 160 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.  The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00AM. 

Burial with follow the Funeral Mass with U.S. Army military honors in St. Patrick Cemetery, Kennett Square.

In lieu of: Orphanage of Amigos DeJesus, 126 Woodlawn Ave, Malvern, PA 19355

Family flowers arranged by Wise Originals, www.wiseoriginals.com 610-494-3233 tel. 

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