JEFFERSON —

Nicholas “Nick” John Ferraro, age 87, of Elliott Ave. in Jefferson, Ohio, died on Sunday, April 17, 2011, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
The son of Joseph and Susie (Butch) Ferraro, he was born Sept. 27, 1923, in Ashtabula, Ohio. During World War II, he served aboard the USS Lorain with the United States Navy/Coast Guard. He married Helen M. York on August 20, 1949, and together they created a beautiful family that started with their six children and has since grown to include 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
As a licensed Real Estate Associate of Miller Realty since 1970, Nick was a well-respected member of the real estate community in Ashtabula and surrounding counties. He was a member of the County Board of Realtors, as well as the Ohio and National Association of Realtors. He felt strongly that his purpose in life was to ensure that his family was well-provided for, and therefore often worked 2 – 3 jobs throughout the years. He retired from Lonza Group in 1991, where he was employed as a stationary engineer.
When his children were young, Nick enjoyed watching each of them thrive in their many activities. He took an active role to support their interests, serving as Jefferson Area Girls Softball League Umpire in Chief; Jefferson Little League coach for which he was added to the “Wall of Fame” at Honor Field in 2006; and member and supporter of Jefferson Athletic Boosters and Past President of the Jefferson Recreation Board. As his grandchildren grew, he continued to enjoy cheering from the sidelines as he rarely missed a volleyball or basketball game, track meet, school play or other exciting event in their lives.
Nick was a member of St. Joseph Calasanctius Catholic Church, a longtime member of Knights of Columbus Council #4212, BPO Elks #208 and Jefferson Exchange Club. He enjoyed drinking coffee with friends, watching sports and walking his beloved dog “Corky”. At family gatherings, he would often entertain by telling jokes and playing tunes on his harmonica. He was well-loved by his many friends and large family. A man of integrity and compassion, he has been an irreplaceable influence to those fortunate enough to know him and will be greatly missed.
Nick is survived by his wife, Helen; children: Vicki (Miguel Calaro) Ferraro, Bruce (Maryanne) Ferraro, Debra (Bradley) Brininger, Lorraine Rennick, Peggy (Archie) Wilkinson and Tracey (Ricky) Mays; two sisters, Carmel Presciano of Ashtabula and Annette Ferraro of Anaheim, Calif.; grandchildren, William Radebaugh III, Joseph and Christina Ferraro, Shannon (Moss) Melton, Tara (Benjamin) Reed, Alex (Kristen) Brininger, Todd (Natsuka) Brininger, Stephanie (Jared) Goldman, Kari Rennick, Ursula and Andrew Wilkinson, Matthew Bankhead and Hayden, Michaela, Megan and William Mays; eight great-grandchildren; and “adopted” family, David and Kimberly Whitcroft Parker, Mackenzie, Michaela and Willow.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Richard Rennick; and brother-in-law, Peter Presciano.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21st, at St. Joseph Calasanctius Church, 32 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with the Rev. Father Stephen Wassie as celebrant. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery.
Calling Hours will be Wednesday, April 20th, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Jefferson Home of the FLEMING & BILLMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC., 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio.
Memorial contributions made be made to Knights of Columbus #4212 Scholarship Fund, or to the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Chapter. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.

St. Joseph Calasanctius Church,"
** Knights of Columbus **