Michael C. Ferraro Sr. 1925-2023

Michael was born Aug. 22, 1925, in Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of Camillo and Angeline Fera Ferraro.

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, and 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, Pa. for eight years and councilman for Bessemer for 20 years. While serving, he was instrumental in the building of Bessemer Park.

Michael was strong in his faith and was a member of St. Anthony (Holy Spirit Church), where he was choir director, helped build the gazebo and built the altar for the chapel in the church.

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.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, who always stood by him and shared a lifetime of love and companionship, the former Angela Simone, whom he married July 23, 1955; daughter, Milissa (Jim) Ferraro-Gahagan of Boardman; sons, Michael Jr. (Barby Jane) Ferraro of New Castle, Pa., 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 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at St. Paul the Apostle Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at the church.

Michael will be laid to rest in St. Anthony Cemetery in Bessemer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.

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