JOHN CHARLES FERRARA
May 1, 1942-July 22, 2022
John C. Ferrara, age 80, of Chardon, Ohio, died peacefully in his sleep with his wife, Rita Anselmo, at his bedside July 22, 2022. John was born May 1,1942, in Cleveland, Ohio to Joseph Ferrara and Edith (Bouilett) Ferrara.
John was a long time Geauga County resident having built his home in 1972 in the Bass Lake Community. He was a member of St. Mary Parish of Chardon where he was an usher for many years. He was an active member of the Bass Lake Club was president for 17 years and active in helping to preserve the local ecology.
John earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hiram College in 1964 and his Masters of Science in Biology from John Carroll University in 1967. After graduation he taught science classes at Mayfield High School then Biology and Microbiology, among other science classes at Cuyahoga Community College. John also taught Biochemistry and other courses at Cleveland State University and Lake Erie College. John was awarded Professor Emeritus from Cuyahoga Community College in 2017.
John was active in athletics from an early age playing football from grade school through college. At Hiram College John lettered in track, basketball and football and was inducted into the Hiram College Hall of Fame in 1977 for the many records he set as quarterback for the Hiram Terriers.
John was previously married to Marilyn Starin in August 1964, their daughter Allyse Marie Ferrara was born.
John was also an avid fisherman and golfer. He enjoyed open water and ice fishing with his family and friends. John also had a group of close friends who met early every morning for coffee at the local doughnut shop before they went to work and continued to meet when they had retired. Often during the summer this ‘coffee club’ would play 9 holes of golf and be home before many people had started their day.
John met Rita Anselmo. They knew on their first date they were meant for each other and were engaged within 4 months of that first date. They were married August 8, 1998, and John gained a stepson, Christian Michael Anselmo. John was an animal lover and had birds, cats, and dogs throughout his life.
John is survived by his loving wife Rita, daughter Allyse (Quenton Fontenot) Ferrara, and stepson Christian (Amy) Anselmo. He leaves behind his sister-in-law Clara (Joseph) Ferrara, mother-in-law Marie (Vincent) Anselmo, brothers and sisters in-law: Anthony Anselmo, Patricia (J) Nash, Mary (Bob) Morrissey, Victor (Michelle) Anselmo, Jacqueline Anselmo, Vincent (Sherilyn Vogel) Anselmo, nieces Patricia (Mark} Sumrak, Edith (Martin) Ryan, Lesley (Gregg) Geldart, 12 great nieces and nephews and nine great-great nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his parents and brother Joseph Ferrara.
He will be missed by all who loved him.
Family will receive friends Wednesday, July 27, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00pm at Burr Funeral Home in Chardon, OH. Funeral service will be Thursday July 28, 2022, 10:00 am at St. Mary Parish in Chardon 401 North Street. Burial will be at Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH.
If anyone wishes to donate family suggests they be made to Nicholls Foundation, P.O. Box 2074, Thibodaux, LA 70310
Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, OH. Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com