Dennis C. Ferrante, 66, of Worcester

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Dennis C. FerranteWorcester – Dennis C. Ferrante, 66, of Worcester, passed suddenly Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at UMass Memorial Healthcare, Worcester.

Dennis was predeceased by his father, Ciro Ferrante, and is survived by his loving mother, Catherine Elizabeth (Territola) Ferrante; his sisters, Linda Ann Epperson and her husband Jack and Denise Yvonne Ferrante DeLeo; the mother of his children, MaryAnne Ferrante; and his children, Elizabeth Marie Falkins and her husband Shon, Andrea Lynn Ferrante, Dennis Richard Ferrante and his wife Kristen, and Nicholas Peter Ferrante. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Katelyn Elizabeth Ferrante, Domenic Betti, Julia Elaine Falkins, Gianna Rose Ferrante, Nicholas Michael Lauchart, Daniel Richard Ferrante, Shon Michael Falkins, Benjamin Aleksander Falkins and Malorie Elizabeth Falkins, and his nephews and niece, Anthony Ciro DeLeo, Domenick Francesco DeLeo, Thomas Richard, and Alyssa Richard-Figueroa.

Dennis was born in Hoboken, N.J., the first of three children to Catherine and Ciro Ferrante. He grew up in Weehawken, N.J., and after graduating from Power Memorial Academy College Preparatory School in New York in 1968, he attended Assumption College in Worcester, where he obtained a BA in Counseling and Secondary Education, graduating Cum Laude in 1972. He continued his education at Assumption receiving his Masters in Special Education in 1976 and resided in Shrewsbury for more than 40 years.

Dennis worked for the Worcester Public School system, dedicating himself to his belief in higher education for more than 30 years. In 2006, he was awarded the Central Massachusetts Junior Achievement award for Educator of the Year.

His love for music was fostered by his parents through the introduction of piano at the very young age of 5. In attending St. Augustine Catholic Grammar School, Union City, N.J., he studied organ, liturgical performance and accompaniment under Mr. James E. Topper, Music Director, who instilled in Dennis the power of prayer through music.   That path continued under Mr. James Welch, founder of the Welch Chorale and Director of Chorale at Power Memorial Academy High School, in Manhattan, N.Y.

After retiring in 2010 from the school system, he dedicated himself to his music and continued his passion as Director of Liturgical Music. He directed the Christ the King Festival Choir, Folk Ensemble and Youth Choir, his tenure at Church of Christ the King lasted for more than 25 years. His belief was to “unify parishioners in song to the living God that fosters worship that is fulfilling.”

Dennis had many passions. He loved playing basketball, golf, tried his hand at football and loved running. He was an amazing devoted son, brother, brother-in-law, father, grandfather and a true friend to all who crossed his path.

Dennis is loved by many and will be truly missed. Our Hearts will ache forever with his memory.

To our Heavenly Father above:

“We are sending a dove to heaven with a parcel on its wings. Be careful when you open it it’s full of beautiful things.  Inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs to say how much we’ll miss you and to send you all our love. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again” (author unknown).

Our family would like to thank Monsignor Thomas Sullivan for his caring support and for always being there to give guidance in our family’s time of need.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 25, from 4-8 p.m., at the Church of Christ the King, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Christ the King, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St., Worcester.

Many thanks to Athy Funeral Home for graciously assisting our family during this most difficult time.

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