Service Details
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020
VISITATION: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 5:00 p.m.
DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
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Contributions to research for Cancer and Heart disease are suggested.
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RACINE, WI – Patricia Mae Ferraro (nee: Schneider), 90, died at Ascension St Mary’s Hospital in Racine, WI on August 21, 2020. She was born to Lloyd and Eleanor Schneider (nee: Brandt) in Racine on May 10, 1930.
Pat graduated from William Horlick High School, in Racine, class of 1948. She married her high school sweetheart, Louis J Ferraro in Racine on September 23, 1950.
Lou and Pat first opened a pizza place in La Crosse, WI in 1955. Then they opened other pizza restaurants in the area. In 1969 Lou and Pat opened the first Ferraro’s Pizza in Racine, eventually expanding to other locations in Racine. Although ownership changed hands in 1994 when they retired, the Ferraro’s Pizza in the Georgetown neighborhood of Racine is still in operation today.
As a member of the St Rita’s church choir for many years, she was honored to sing solos at masses and was the soloist the church selected to sing at church funerals and weddings.
Pat was a very friendly outgoing person. She had a strength of spirit not often seen. Along the way Pat was a member of the Christian Woman’s Club, a Pacemaker’s Counselor, a member of the Wisconsin Restaurant Assoc. Over the years, she also participated in swim aerobics, golfing, hand stitchery and had a doll collection. She was a big Brewers and Packers fan. And of course, Pat was an ardent spectator at all her kids’ sporting and school events.
In 1996 Pat was crowned Ms. Senior Wisconsin and represented Wisconsin in the national Ms. Senior America Pageant in Biloxi, Mississippi. Also, during her senior years, as part of a modeling agency, she modeled for print ads part time throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
Through it all, family life was most important to her.
A quote from her from 1996: “I still look for the beauty in the smallest things. It takes courage to stand up for our convictions and follow our dreams, but a courageous life is a full life.”
Pat will be dearly missed by her children: Dan, Dave, Sue (Mitch) Blada, Jeanne (Tom) Jirasek, Tony (Karen); Grandchildren: Tifanie, Tara, Zach, Nina, Drew, Cody, Jeabet; Greatgrandchildren: Cyreel, Taelor, Bryston, Austin, Liam, Elena, Aria; Brother in law and sister in law Tony and Jeanne Ferraro; sister in law Helen Ferraro; nieces Terri, Gina, Rose, Barbara, Kathy, Elaine, Marianne, Caroline; nephews Mike, Joe; other relatives; good friends at Fountain Hills Apartments.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband Lou in 2013; parents Lloyd and Eleanor; Father in law and mother in law Joe and Carmella Ferraro; brother in law and sister in law Frank and Mary Ferraro; brother in law Ralph Ferraro.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, August 28, 2020 for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. A service celebrating and remembering her life will follow at 5:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. Contributions to research for Cancer and Heart disease are suggested.
A special thank you to Dave Ferraro for being her helper these past several years. And thank you to oncologist Dr Hassan, the staff at the Ascension St Mary’s Racine Cancer Care Center and all the other doctors, nurses and staff who cared for her.
Tifanie (granddaughter) says
I love you grandma! You brought joy wherever you went and you still are within my heart.
Dan Ferraro says
Rest in peace, mom.
Jeff Busarow says
My sympathies to the family for the loss of our family’s friend and my Dad’s Horlick classmate along with Lou. I remember picking up the pizzas at Shorecrest for us. Dad knew Lou would load them up for us. He and Pat always had kind words to say.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jayne Busarow says
Sympathies and prayers from myself and my father (Gene Busarow). He thought the world of your Pat and your Dad Lou.
God Bless,
Jayne Busarow
Dennis & Sandy Roche says
Our sympathy to the Ferraro family.
Andrea (Andy) & John Orlovsky says
Sorry to hear of Pats passing. Always loved her beautiful smile. Prayers for God’s peace to bring you comfort in this time of grief.
Earl and Marlene Lamberton says
Our prayers to the family. Pat’s smile and friendly ways are something we will always remember while we lived next door to Lou and Pat. As busy as she was, she always had time for a friendly chat across the fence! You were Blessed to have her for your mother, grandmother, friend, now reunited with Lou.
Debi (Cesario) Nicotera 💋 says
Loved going to Jeanne’s house for lunch….. dinner…. whenever! There was always pasta and red gravy ready! Momma Ferraro kept us fed during the rigors of high school and swimming in the backyard pool❤️🎶❤️ Salute! Rest In Peace to a truly beautiful person! Love you Pat
Maggie Mentel says
Dan, I’m so sorry to hear about Pat. She was so wonderful to me when we sang together at St. Rita’s. I miss her sparkling personality and positive outlook.
Debra Petersen Horvath says
My Sincere sympathy to your family.
Susan M Thomas says
Beautiful wonderful women. So caring to everyone. My first job was at Shorecrest in 1973. Pat and Lou not only taught me valuable work lessons they showed me how to be a better human being. So lucky to have known them. Sue from Superior
Steve Schonert says
Tony and Karen, My condolences to you and the entire Ferraro fmily on the passing of your mom. I remeber both your mom and dad vividly through our Jerstad and Horlick years. May she rest in peace.
Charles & Cai says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jean and your family. We love you and have our arms wrapped around you.
Heidi Petrakis says
My thoughts and prayers to all of the family in this difficult time. Pat was one of the kindest, most genuine women I have ever known. When I joined the St. Rita Choir so many years ago, she took me under her wings and helped me find my voice.
I will miss the sound of her beautiful soprano voice, and kind smile. I’m sure she is already singing with the angels.
Kevin &Ginny Clark says
So sorry to hear this news. My mother Janet Clark and Pat were lifelong friends from a very early age. They are now reunited in heaven to continue their friendship. So sorry for your loss.
Kevin & Ginny Clark