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Michael C. Ferraro Sr.
August 22, 1925 - November 2, 2023
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Michael C. Ferraro Sr., 98, died peacefully Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Hospice House surrounded by his family.
Michael was born August 22, 1925, in Pittsburgh, the son of Camillo and Angeline Fera Ferraro. Michael is survived by his loving wife, the former Angela Simone, who always stood by him and with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship having married July 23, 1955.
He was a graduate of South Hills High School. After graduating in 1943, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy and entered WWII becoming a Naval Corpsman attached to the Marines. After receiving pharmacist mate training, he was sent to the South Pacific where he served in the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Saipan Island, Peleliu and other strategic areas of the South Pacific. While he was being transported from Saipan to the Solomon Islands, his ship was torpedoed and sank. Michael was set adrift in a raft with six other shipmates for 21 days before being rescued by a destroyer escort.
After the war, Michael received his bachelor's degree in music education from Duquesne University and taught music in Bald Eagle High School, Mohawk School District, where he wrote the alma-mater. He retired from New Castle High School as Director of Bands. As a professional musician, he played with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Wheeling Symphony and Youngstown Symphony as First Chair Flutist. He also directed the Youngstown Community Concert Band.
Michael served as mayor of Bessemer for 8 years and councilman of Bessemer for 20 years. While serving, he was instrumental in building of the Bessemer Park. Michael was strong in his faith and was a member of Holly Spirit Parish, St. Anthony site, where he was Choir Director. He also helped build the gazebo and the altar for the Chapel in the church.
In addition, he was a member of the American Legion, VFW, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and served as past president of the Rotary Club of Bessemer. He was also a member of the New Castle Honor Guard.
Along with his wife, Michael is survived by daughter, Milissa (Jim) Ferraro-Gahagan of Boardman; sons, Michael Jr. (Barby Jane) Ferraro of New Castle, Mark (Susie) Ferraro of Kennett Square, PA and Mathew (Kathy) Ferraro of Bessemer; and three grandchildren, Isabella and Olivia Ferraro and Sophia (Matt) Ferraro-Wilmes.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dolores Slaven, Ann Wilhelm and Robert Ferraro.
Family and friends may call Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, and Wednesday from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at St. Paul the Apostle Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am in the church. Michael will be laid to rest at St. Anthony Cemetery in Bessemer.
Eternal rest grant unto Michael, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
