Ferrara , John J

John J. Ferrara died peacefully on May 12, 2022, in Beaufort, SC at the age of 71, with his wife by his side.

John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Paula; his son Jonathon and partner Sheri Muscarella in Mystic, CT; his daughter Jessica Dime and her husband Tim in Conroe, TX; his sisters Marilyn Mlynek and Delores Hanrahan in CT and his brother, Tom Ferrara in FL. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary Ferrara; his sister Rosemary Ferrara and his beloved grandson Nathan Joseph Stiefel.

John was born on Aug. 9, 1950, in Stamford, CT and grew up in Port Chester, NY. He graduated from the University of Dayton in 1972. He moved his family to Westbrook, CT in 1977.

John worked as Customer Service Manager for Pilot

Corp. for 20 years and retired in 2017 as Exec. Dir. of Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore.

John was an active community volunteer his entire life. He was an Eagle Scout and became Scout Master in Westbrook. He was active in Republican politics in Westbrook and CT serving as Westbrook Republican Town Committee Chairman, State Central Committeeman for the 33rd Senatorial District, and Treasurer for Grassroots East. He served as Westbrook Board of Finance Chairman and on numerous Westbrook ad hoc committees. John was a mentor for the Southeastern CT Chapter of SCORE and after moving to Beaufort 5 years ago, a mentor for SC Lowcountry SCORE focusing on veterans and non-profits. He was awarded Mentor of the Year for 2019. John is a member of the Beaufort County Republicans, St. Peters Catholic Church, and Vice President of the Marsh Harbor HOA.

John was an avid New York Yankee fan and enjoyed nothing more than seeing the Yanks beat the Socks. He followed UCONN basketball especially the girls and the NY Giants Football Team.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at Holy Cross Mission, St. Helena Island.

A memorial Mass will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 17th at Holy Cross Mission.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to SC Lowcountry SCORE.

Please share your thoughts and stories about John by visiting www.copelandfuneralservice.com

Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Ferrara family with arrangements.