Richard Anthony Ferretti, Sr., 79, of Vero Beach, died peacefully in his home on May 27, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marie; brother, Lou Ferretti; five children, Tina Carone (Paul), Richard A. Ferretti, Jr. (Melody), Theresa Woodson (Andrew), Janet Olsson (Charles), and Christi Ferretti; Eight grandchildren, Andrea Woodson, Larissa Ferretti (Brian Beaty), Lia Ferretti, Matthew Woodson, Richard “Tony” Ferretti, III, Grace Olsson, Emily Olsson, and Alexander Ferretti; and one great-granddaughter, Saige Mayalynn.
He was preceded in death by his son Joseph, older brothers, Thomas Ferretti, Michael Ferretti, and sister Vera Mariani.
Ferretti was born on Oct. 10, 1934 in Tuckahoe, N.Y. He served as Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Marie. They lived in New York for 23 years before moving to Vero Beach in 1980.
He owned and operated Hoppe’s Vacuum and Appliance Repair Service and Sales on Commerce Ave.
Known as “Papa” by his grandchildren and many friends, his unconditional love and selflessness was always an example to those who knew him. His hard work and commitment to his family was an inspiration to all. He had a heart for his community, actively serving through many civic organizations in Vero Beach and in New York, including The Knights of Columbus, Elks, and Rotary.
Proud of his Italian heritage, Ferretti was a dedicated member of the Italian American Civic Association of Vero Beach for 34 years during which he served as club president several times. He co-founded the annual Italian American Food Festival 29 years ago to promote Italian traditions while raising money for college scholarships for local students.
Under his leadership the I.A.C.A. often sponsored fundraisers for various student activities throughout the year. “Well done my good and faithful servant” describes Ferretti, a member of St. Helen Church and his faithful service to God as a life-long Catholic.
A Funeral Mass in his honor will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2085 Tallahassee Ave., Vero Beach, on Saturday, May 31 at 12 p.m. The family will receive guests immediately following at the Italian American Civic Association at 1600 25th Street.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Rich A. Ferretti, Sr. Italian Heritage Scholarship Fund at The Marine Bank and Trust Company at 1450 US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or to The Veteran’s Council of Indian River County Memo: Upward American Veteran’s Fund at 1800 27th St, Vero Beach, FL, 32960.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guestbook is available online at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.