James Joseph Ferraro

Austintown – James Joseph Ferraro, 73, of Austintown, entered the gates of Heaven September 27, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

James was born February 27, 1946 in Youngstown to Joseph and Catherine (Bernard) Ferraro. He grew up in the Brier Hill neighborhood on city’s north side.

He attended The Rayen School where he excelled at sports. In 1963-64 he was selected for the ALL City Football team. He was later inducted into The Rayen School’s Hall of Fame for football.

After Highschool he attended YSU as an Industrial Merchandising major. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1968. He played baseball from 1965-1968 and was a 4-year letter winner in baseball. In 1999 he was inducted into the YSU Hall of Fame for baseball, and still holds some school records. While at YSU he joined Alpha Phi Delta fraternity. There he met many of his lifelong friends.

In 1971 he met and married his wife Donna and together they have 5 children. Kim (Brian) Feorene, James Jr. (Megan) Ferraro, Joseph (Angela) Ferraro, Dawn (Jake) Andreadis, Angela (Eric) Neville.

Mr. Ferraro started as a part-time bus driver at WRTA ascended through this organization until in 1984 he became the Executive Director. He held this position until his retirement in June of 2018. The public transit authority as we know it today was shaped by his vision and hard work. In 1996 he was named “Transit person of the year” by the Ohio State transit authority.

He was a football official and softball umpire for over 30 years and loved staying close to the game. In 2006 he was inducted into yet another Hall of Fame for his baseball accomplishments. This time it was the Curbstone Coaches.

Of all his accomplishments in life, nothing made him prouder than the title of “Papa”. He loved adored and doted over his 11 grandchildren at every chance he got. Kirstie, Kandace, James III, Aiden, Luciano, Vincenzo, Athena, Adrianna, Aria, Savannah and Dillon.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Including his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews, along with countless friends and professional acquaintances.  His generosity, caring nature, and ability to simply make others smile and laugh, are what most will remember.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and sister Rosemary H. Umburger.

There will be a Memorial Mass held on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave, Youngstown.

There is no calling hours, but James family will greet everyone following the mass in the lower church hall where the mercy dinner will take place.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street, Boardman.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his honor to: Potential Development 880 E Indianola Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com. to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to James family.

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