Alex Ferrante, 89, passed away in Rock Hill, SC on April 17, 2021. He was born on November 4, 1931 in New York, NY to Samuel and Helen (Holdasevich) Ferrante. In November 1949, Alex married his high school sweetheart, Anna Mandracchia.
Alex worked proudly as a firefighter with the Fire Department of the city of New York from 1960 until his retirement. During this time, he lived with his family in Brooklyn, NY until they moved to New Port Richey, FL in 1997. In Florida, Alex joined other retired New York City firefighters as a member of the “Gene O’Kane Division of FDNY – Retired.”
As an avid sailor, Alex loved getting out on the water. He also found joy in watching old movies and reading.
Alex is survived by his wife of over 71 years, Anna; his daughter, Helen Cotrone and her husband Johnny; his daughter-in-law, Anne Ferrante; his granddaughter, Nicole Rachal and her husband Rod; great grandchildren, Preston and Miles Rachal; as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives all over the country.
Alex was preceded in death by his son, Steven Ferrante.
A graveside service to honor Alex’s life will be held at 12 p.m. on April 20, 2021 at Forest Lawn West Cemetery, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alex’s name to Lighthouse Guild, Attn: Development Department – 6th floor, 250 West 64th Street, New York, NY 10023 or ARVO Foundation for Eye Research, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20852.
