Obituary for Joseph Ferri | Wilson Funeral Home, Gray, ME
- Date Of Birth: October 28, 1935
- Date Of Death: February 25, 2014
- State: Maine
Gray-Joseph Ferri, 78, of Gray died peacefully at Sedgewood Commons on Tuesday morning, February 25, 2014 with his wife Linda by his side.
Joe was born in Fulton, New York on October 28, 1935; the only son and youngest child of Mary and Michael Ferri. He spent several years in Newburgh, NY and settled in Gray in 1938. Joe continued to reside in Gray; staying close to his family and friends. He graduated from Pennell Institute in 1954. While at Pennell, he established himself as a strong and competitive athlete- excelling in both baseball and basketball. His talents weren’t limited to the ball fields, as during his junior year of high school he represented the State of Maine at the Key Club Association’s National Convention in Los Angeles.
Joe attended Portland Junior College before enrolling in the Gorham State Teachers College (USM) in 1956. He studied Elementary Education where he met his lifelong loving partner, Linda Johnson, of Rockport. The couple were inseparable on campus, and were married the summer after Joe’s graduation. Joe became a member of Kappa Delta Phi, and as a result developed lifelong friendships which he enjoyed throughout his lifetime. This group of friends became fondly known as ‘The Gang’.
After graduating from college, Joe started teaching mathematics in the Windham school system. In addition to his teaching duties, Joe focused his love of sports on ‘coaching’; and became the Windham High school girls’ basketball coach for several seasons.
Joe went on and earned his Master’s degree in Special Education from USM. He joined the staff at Pineland Hospital and Training Center in 1964; serving in various capacities; eventually becoming the Superintendent. He worked at Pineland until it’s official closing in 1994. He was presented the Maine State Dept. of Mental Health’s – Commissioners Award after serving the State for 30 years.