- Date Of Death: September 30, 2016
- State: New Jersey
Pasquale “Pat” Ferrelli of Burlington went to be with the Lord and his loving family on Friday, September 30, at the Masonic Home of NJ at the age of 90. As one of eight children of immigrant Italian parents, Vincenzo and Venanzia Ferrelli, Pat grew up on East Pearl Street in Burlington City and was a lifelong Burlington City resident. Pat graduated from Burlington High School in 1943, and like many of the “Greatest Generation,” served his country honorably during World War II as a combat engineer.
After returning home to Burlington from the war, Pat immersed himself in work and in service to his community. Pat was a volunteer fireman and volunteer rescue worker who served selflessly for decades with heroism, dignity, respect and humility, and impacted many lives. He joined Hope Fire Company after the war, and went on to serve as Chief of Burlington City Fire Department in 1968. Pat joined the Endeavor Emergency Squad in 1962 and rode with the squad until 1998 at the young age of 72.
Throughout his life, Pat made himself available night and day to assist the residents of Burlington and Burlington Township. Pat alone responded to over 150 calls per month and an estimated 50,000 calls during his career, reflecting his dedication to the community. It was said that when Pat retired from the Endeavor Emergency Squad in 1998, it took two full time and two part time employees to replace Pat’s volunteer service to the squad. A humble man, Pat did not seek recognition for his service to others, but was recognized by the Burlington City, the 200 Club of Burlington County, and others for his long and tireless service to the community.
Pat also had strong faith and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Paul’s RC Church. A longtime employee of Occidental Chemical, he retired in 1989. In his spare time, Pat enjoyed the company of his siblings, his cousins, and his nieces and nephews, and was a beloved and generous son, brother, uncle, and cousin to all in his family. Pat was an avid fan of Philadelphia sports teams, particularly the Eagles and the Phillies. Pat was predeceased by his parents and by his siblings, Daniel, Dominick, Edith, Margaret, Umberto, Anthony and Joe. He is survived by his sisters in law Joan and Betty Ferrelli; his nieces, nephews; great-nieces, great-nephews and his brothers and sisters of the EMS community.
