West Boylston – Paul P. Ferrante, 94, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away Friday, Sept. 16, 2011 in the UMass Medical Center University Campus. His wife of 50 years, Josephine M. (Marzziotti) Ferrante, passed away in 1992.
Born in Worcester, a son of Gaetano and Rosa (DiBenedetto) Ferrante, he joined the U.S. Army, at the age of 26, during World War II as an Army Medic, serving with distinction, earning the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Medic Badge during the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his return, he lived most of his life in Shrewsbury before moving to West Boylston.
He is survived by his devoted family, a daughter Diane R. Woodill and her husband Roland of West Boylston; two sons, Guy L. Ferrante and his wife Mary Lou of Millbury and Paul J. Ferrante and his wife Susan of Auburn; a sister, Mary Longo of Shrewsbury; four grandchildren, Gina, Lisa and Victoria Ferrante and Jessica Flint; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Two sisters, Isabelle Depiro and Rose Arakelian, and his best friend and companion (his dog), Tuffy, all pre deceased him.
Mr. Ferrante was a life member and labor foreman for the Laborers International Union of North America Local 243, working for such companies as John Cappabianco Construction, the Perini Corporation and Granger Construction and retiring from the former Henley-Lundgren Corporation.
He was a member of St Anne's Church, the Battle of the Bulge Veterans Association, the Victor Quaranta American Legion Post in Shrewsbury and a charter member of the IAVC Club in Shrewsbury. He was an avid golfer and member of Marlborough and Green Hill Country Clubs. Most notably during his playing days, he recorded three holes in one, the last at the age of 83. Besides enjoying being with his family, he loved watching the New England Patriots, WWE Wrestling and, most of all, the Boston Red Sox.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff at the Radius HealthCare Center at Worcester during Mr. Ferrante's stay, especially the 5th floor, and the family also wishes to express their gratitude to the many people who cared for him during his illness at UMass, especially the 3rd floor staff.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Monday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral will be held Tuesday, Sept. 20 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd., Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and because of Mr. Ferrante's love of animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606 or the Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd., P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
For online condolences, visit www.mercadantefuneral.com.
