Stephen Robert Ferriss

Stephen R. Ferriss (85) died on March 10, 2024 in Ypsilanti, Michigan after a short illness. He was born in New Milford, Connecticut on September 27, 1938 to Stephen Harry Ferriss and Marguerite Louise Cass. He is predeceased by his wife Susan Kathleen Ferriss (née Duhon), a brother Roger Cass Ferriss, and a sister Eleanor Louise Lockwood (née Ferriss).

Steve worked from childhood on family dairy farms until he enlisted in the US Air Force. Once discharged, he began his family in New Milford, Connecticut. He was widely known for his strong work ethic and worked several jobs simultaneously. Ultimately he began his career in home heating. He retired as a manager at Sandmeyer Oil in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut. Steve and his wife purchased a RV and travelled seeing much of the country, spending extended time in Colorado and Tennessee.

Never one to remain idle, Steve moved to Louisiana and worked another 12 years with his brother’s regional auto parts business as a personnel manager. After Steve’s wife of more than 30 years passed, he relocated to Michigan to be close to his son Christopher.

Steve came from deep New England roots, being a direct Mayflower descendant on both his maternal and paternal sides. He was a member of the Mayflower Society in Connecticut as well as the Sons of the American Revolution. He was an avid motorcyclist for much of his life and had a large group of friends with whom he shared many and varied activities.

Steve is survived by four sons: Stephen (Connecticut), Daniel (Connecticut), Christopher (Michigan), and Gregory (Minnesota). He was predeceased by an adopted daughter, Elaine. He leaves two grandchildren: Crystal (Michigan) and Stephen (Connecticut); and three great grandchildren: Christopher, Jackson, and Hazel; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Steve’s wit, humor, and good-natured ribbing will be missed by many friends and acquaintances. Private interment will be in Center Cemetery (New Milford, Connecticut) where he will rest with many generations of his family and ancestors.