Joseph J. Ferraro, 90, of Bristol, beloved husband of Rebecca (Gentile) Ferraro, died on Friday, Feb. 18. Joe was born in Bristol on April 28, 1931, and was one of nine children of the late Carmelo and Grace (Morgano) Ferraro.
A lifelong resident, he attended Bristol High School. He loved his hometown of Bristol and its good people. He worked as a stone mason with his father in his youth and many examples of his workmanship such as the Sherman Park development entrance walls remain to this day. He was widely known by many for the family grocery business, Ferarro’s Foods.
Many a Bristol youth had their first job at Joe’s store where they were taught to work hard and act in kindness to others. Joe took great pride in providing his beloved customers with fine food selections at very affordable prices. In 1974, he led a national meat boycott to address runaway prices by large distributors.
He was a friend to then Gov. Ella Grasso and many civic leaders. Joe was known as a very giving person who was always willing to help his customers, local churches, and charities. In retirement, he continued to live selflessly always quietly helping others in need. His deep abiding faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was his guiding light. He was loved by many and especially loved by his family.
In addition to his wife of 68 years, Joe is survived by four children: Dr. Joseph Ferraro and wife, Cynthia of Wisconsin, Paul Ferraro, Mark J. Ferraro and wife, Rebecca, of Bristol, and Rhonda Whatley and husband, Wayne of Glastonbury; three siblings: David Ferraro and his wife, Robin of Bristol, Paul Ferraro, and his wife Mary Lois, of Littleton, Colo., and Joanna Toler of Riverside, R.I.; sisters-in-law: Shirley Ferraro of Bristol, and Joan Ferraro of Hamden; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers: Philip, Peter, and Salvatore Ferraro, Sr., and sisters: Lena DiLiberto and Ruth Ronalter.
All are welcome to attend Joe’s celebration of Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave., Bristol. Entombment will follow in the Holy Family Mausoleum, Bristol. Visitation will be held privately. Please visit Joe’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
