Nicholas James Ferrante

Nick was born November 3, 1932, in Akron, Ohio. He lived there with his parents Rose and Giovanne, older sister Mary Jane, and younger brother Ray. The family moved to the Los Angeles area in 1940, where Nick attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Grammar School. He wanted so desperately to attend and play baseball at Loyola High School, which the family could not afford, that he worked two jobs (nights and weekends), to pay his tuition. Even as a very young man, when Nick set his mind on a goal, he did whatever was necessary to accomplish that goal.

After High School, Nick was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He played minor league ball with them during Spring and Summer, and attended Loyola University in the Fall. Two years later Nick was drafted into the Army, and went to Korea. Among his other military duties, he had the opportunity to play baseball! He continued his baseball career with the Pirates upon his discharge, but shortly thereafter he decided to begin his Professional Career.

Nick started in the Financial Industry with Beneficial Finance. He impressed his co-workers with his youthful enthusiasm, intelligence and wit. He spent about 25 years with Security First National Bank, in a variety of positions, most notably starting up their Credit Card Processing. He continued in that vein as the CEO of First Interstate Bankcard, and eventually started his own credit card processing business, American Heritage Bankcard. Throughout his career, Nick was well respected not only for incredible intellect and business acumen, but for his style of leadership. He had a way of bringing out the best in everyone.

But Nick’s truest passion was his family. In 1956 he married Norma, and over the next few years Debby, Nikki and Chris arrived. He didn’t really know what to do with girls, but found his niche when they started playing softball. Soon he was coaching and they enjoyed many years as a softball family!

Nick and Vicki married in 1985. Together they enjoyed travel, bridge, and tennis. He became very passionate about his tennis. He studied the game, taking lessons and drills, and having “chalk talks” with pros. He loved playing with his friends, both the “young guys” and the “old foggies”, and he loved to go watch the Pro Tournaments.

Nick really enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching their sports and activities, and took them shopping (“shoes are grandpas job”), among so many other things. The family cruises were always a highlight in his life. But his favorite time was anytime he could just hang out (and eat of course) with his kids and grandkids.

By his words and actions, Nick taught that family is first; that sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do; that hard work never hurt anyone; and that the things you earn are far more valuable than the things that are given to you; that winning is important, but “someone has to win and someone has to lose, and all you can do is the best you can do’; and that you can learn something from everybody and every situation – “everyone has a purpose in life, even if it’s only to serve as a bad example”. He treated everyone with respect and compassion, never making anyone feel as though they were “less than”. He inspired others to be their best, and looked for the good in everyone.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley Funeral Home, Burbank, CA.