Obituary of Elio Ferraro

Elio Ferraro, 87, passed away at his home, surrounded by family and loved ones, as was his wish, on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 following his mesothelioma diagnosis 3 years ago. Born on December 1, 1926, in Utica, NY, the son of the late Bruno and Luigia Cumini Ferraro, Elio was raised and educated in Lugano, Switzerland and Roma, Italy. Upon returning to the U.S. he worked in construction, and later specialized in plumbing and heating. He married his first wife, the late Angelina Angelo Ferraro, in 1951. As a master plumber known for his quality work, he established Elio Ferraro Plumbing & Heating in 1953, a business he ran until the age of 84. He married his current wife, Vivian Cross Ferraro, in 1981. Elio enjoyed fishing, gardening and admiring the sunsets from his home. He loved travelling throughout the United States and visiting his home country of Italy. He often argued politics and religion, and enjoyed games of chess or cards. Survivors include his beloved wife, Vivian Ferraro; his sister, Vera Russell; his children, Barbara Lucarelli (Donald), Deborah Blacklock (Charles Eglin), Anthony Elio Ferraro (Michelle Smith), Deborah McKinney (Kelly), Paul Ferraro (Dana Karen Ciccone), Kimberly Ferraro (Scott Carlton), Stephen Ferraro (Allison), Christopher Ferraro (Maegen Freihofer), Kristen Ferraro (Paul Engel), and David Ferraro (Chelsea Leeder); his step-children, Scott Armstrong (Melissa), Amy Armstrong (David Guy), and Daniel Armstrong (Debra); his grandchildren, Josepha Macherone(Craig), Joseph Lucarelli(Reneé), Donelle Lucarelli(Hunter), Douglas Blacklock, Luke Ferraro, Marcus Ferraro Burkes-Nossiter, Keira Carlton, Schuyler Ferraro, Allison Armstrong, Maddox and Makayla Rogers, and Daniella and Darby Armstrong; and great-grandchild, Andrew Longo. Elio was predeceased by his brothers, Angelo and Edmundo Ferraro, and his sister Gloria Marotta. In accordance with his wishes, Elio has donated his body to the anatomical gift program at Albany Medical College. Family and friends are invited on Friday, February 28th, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue Rotterdam, NY 12306. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, NY. Donations in memory of Elio may be made to the research facility at Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center, 103A Medical Arts Building, 51 N. 39th Street, Philadelphia PA 19104, Attn: Candice Cooper. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com.