Louis J. Ferraro, 84, passed away at Froedtert Hospital on Monday, June 17, 2013. He was born in Racine on December 22, 1928, son of the late Joseph and Carmela (nee: Schifano) Ferraro.
Following his graduation from Horlick High School, Louis was a Minor League Pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies organizations from 1947-1950. On September 23, 1950 he was united in marriage to Patricia Mae Schneider. Shortly thereafter he was called to serve in the Army during the Korean War and did so with great pride. In 1953 he and Patricia settled in LaCrosse to raise their family and operate several restaurants in the area until 1962. Louis and his family returned to Racine in 1962 where he held sales positions with Prudential Insurance; Beltone Hearing Aids; and Keebler Cookies. In 1969 he opened Ferraro’s Pizza in the Shorecrest Shopping Center and added another location on the Southside a few years later. He and Patricia then opened a Bar & Restaurant in the Georgetown Center and another on North Douglas Ave. Louis served as president of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association-SE Chapter, and was twice named Restaurateur of the Year.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Ferraro; their children, Dan Ferraro of Kenosha, Dave Ferraro and Sue (Mitch) Blada both of Racine, Jean (Tom) Jirasek and Tony (Karen) Ferraro both of Illinois; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother Tony (Jeanne) Ferraro and sister-in-law Helen Ferraro both of Racine; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers Frank (Mary) Ferraro and Ralph Ferraro.
The funeral mass for Louis will be held at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2013 with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home Friday evening from 5pm-8pm; and Saturday in the church beginning at 9:30am. Committal service and military honors will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 11am on Tuesday, June 25, 2013.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Hospital (for Children) or the Multiple Sclerosis Society are preferred.
Louis was an accomplished Racine business man and member of the community. He was respected and well liked by family, friends and employees for his strength of character, his wisdom and his humor. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
TJ Seaton says
Dad was better to me than my own and I appreciate everything he has ever done for me. I have always thought the world of him and love him dearly.
He was a wonderful man and it surely makes me sad that he is now gone.
I feel honored to have belonged to this loving family.
I am not able to make it to the funeral but please know that all of you are in my thoughts and heart.
Kay McClelland says
My son, Tony McClelland, loved working at Ferraros Pizza and he learned a lot about business ethics from Lou, which served him well all his life. My prayers are for the family of this amazing man.
Harold Dahlstrom says
My sympathies to the Ferraro Family.
Dear Mrs. Ferraro, I will always have fond memories for the warmth and happiness in your and Louis’s home.
Louis was a good man and I am lucky to have known him and his wonderful family.
Sincerely,
Harold Dahlstrom
Karen and Harold Williams says
My deepest condolences to the family.
God Bless you all.
Doug and Penny Schultz says
Lew Ferraro was a pillar in the Racine county community who made a positive difference in the lives of the many he touched . It has been a privilege to know him and the character for which he maintained in all his his endeavors, from sports to serving his community and his country. May he rest in comfort and peace in the loving arms of the Lord.
Bob Heinkel says
Lou was a man of great character who had much influence beyond his fine family. Fifty years ago he was my youth league baseball coach and a tremendous model of a wise, caring mentor. I am grateful for his impact on me and my own coaching career. May God’s comfort carry you at this time.
Roxanne Schneider(Gerald) says
We’re sorry, we didn’t know.