Southborough – Arnold E. Ferrari, 97, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on November 16, 2022. He was born in Framingham, MA, on October 14, 1925, to Arnold and Louise (Agostini) Ferrari.
He graduated from Framingham High School in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II in the Sixth Fleet, Pacific Region for three years. After returning to Framingham, he married Maureen Moran and raised a family of four children: Stephen, Susan, Mark and Paul. In partnership with Ernie Chiappini, he ran Master Service, an auto body shop founded by their fathers, for 50 years. Following Maureen’s death, he later met and married Connie Ruotsi in 2004, and they resided in Southborough, MA, until his death.
Arnold lived a long, full and passionate life. His optimistic outlook, perseverance and drive to stay active were his guideposts. He was an avid skier, cyclist and golfer into his late 80s, relishing the competition and social interactions those activities provided. He was surrounded by a close group of beloved friends and was always there to help when needed. Arnold was blessed to have shared his life with two amazing and strong women, Maureen and Connie. His primary focus was his family, which brought him the most joy and contentment. He was an incredible role model and hero to his four children, 12 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly.
Arnold was predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Louise, his first wife, Maureen, his brother, Charles, a son-in-law and daughter-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Connie; his children, Stephen Ferrari and his wife Esther (Ralston) of Northampton, MA, Susan Smith and her late husband Peter Smith of Unity, ME, Mark Ferrari and his late wife Anne (McDonald) of Westwood, MA, and Paul Ferrari and his wife Julie (Dickson) of Framingham; stepchildren, Paul Ruotsi and his wife Carla (Faria) of Houston, TX, and Tiffani Bivines and her husband Josiah of Houston. He is also survived by his sister Dolores Agostinelli of Ashland, MA; grandchildren, Nicholas, Hannah, Rachel, Daniel Smith, Ruth, Isaac, Elizabeth, Stephen, Daniel Ferrari, Matthew, Maxwell and Luca.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St. (Corner of Union Ave.) Framingham, on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 10 AM, followed by a graveside service at 11 AM, St. Stephen Cemetery, Fenwick St., Framingham.
Visiting hours will be at the funeral home on Sunday, November 20 from 4 to 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arnold’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
To leave a message of condolence or sign the online guestbook please visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com.
