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.