Thomas D. Ferris
1947-2013


Dove

BOLIVAR – Loving husband, father and grandfather.

Thomas D. Ferris of 164 Salt Rising Road, Bolivar Bulldog and Syracuse Orangeman, with his family at his side, died peacefully at his home in Bolivar, New York.

Thomas was born on November 22, 1947 in Olean, NY. A Bolivar resident for most of his life, he graduated from Bolivar Central School in 1965 and went on to graduate from Syracuse University in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration. In June of 1969, he married his childhood sweetheart, Norene C. (Crowley) Ferris. They made a home and raised their three children in Bolivar while he managed the family Ford and Mercury dealership, Ferris & Forbes until 1992. At that time, he moved to State College, PA when he became the Director of Purchasing for Shaner Hotel Group until he retired in 2009. After his wife retired in 2010, they returned to Bolivar, NY.

Thomas was a talented athlete and competitive sportsman. Golf, basketball and billiards were some of his favorites. He loved playing games with his seven grandchildren and delighted in their interests and accomplishments. He was fiercely loyal to his Country and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #772. His pride in his children and grandchildren and unwavering loyalty to his schools mascots are shadowed only by his love and devotion to his wife of forty-four years. He loved living in Bolivar and found comfort and peace in its open spaces, small town friendships and daily routines.

He was the son of the late Shirley Dean Ferris (d.1998) and Betty (Koehler) Ferris, who survives. He is also survived by his wife Norene and three children, Matthew (Heather) Ferris of Bolivar, NY, U.S .Marine Maj. Todd (Danielle) Ferris of Monterey, CA and Katie (U.S. Navy CDR Robert) Alpigini of Virginia Beach, VA; seven grandchildren, Hadley Dean and Kelsey Jean Ferris, Robert Thomas and Kate Teagan Ferris and Jack Harvey, Max Robert and Sera Kate Alpigini. Although Tom was an only child, he considered his wife’s eight brothers and sisters to be his own. Also surviving are cousins Richard Mills and Marilyn Taylor of Texas and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Monday October 28 from 7-9pm and Tuesday from 4-7pm at the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc. in Bolivar. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bolivar at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 30, 2013 with Rev. Thomas Roman, as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bolivar.

Memorials if desired are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 111 Wellsville, St. Bolivar, ARC of Allegany County, or the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Program.

Online condolences may be sent at www.schaffnerfuneralhome.com




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