Francis J. Ferber

Francis J. Ferber passed away Thursday, June 19, at his home in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by his loving wife and family members. Francis was born in Hamilton, Ohio on June 4, 1924 to Francis and Marie Ferber. Francis grew up in the area and joined the army in 1943. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and was discharged in 1946 after honorable and faithful service to his country that he loved. He married the love of his life, Donna Lough on November 20, 1948. They were married for 65 years and raised ten children together.

Francis moved his family to Orlando, Florida in 1966. Francis worked as a tool and die maker and millwright for most of his adult life. He learned his trade while apprenticed by the Armco Steel Corp. in Middletown, Ohio. Francis retired from Dayron Corporation of Orlando in 1988.

Francis’s greatest pleasure was spending time and celebrating special occasions with his family. His passions included anything to do with aircrafts, wood working, tinkering with all things mechanical, and maintaining his home. Francis was a long time member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church of Orlando.

Francis is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard and Louis (Myra) Ferber, brother-in-law Eddie Straus, and his eldest son Francis M. Ferber.

He is survived by his wife Donna, his children; David (Denise) of North Carolina, Vivian (Steve) Durkee, Joseph, Marilyn, Deborah (Glenn) Durkee, Diana Seal, Karen (Duane) Newman, Cynthia (Gerald) Beauchamp of Orlando, Elizabeth (Micky) Null of Seffner, daughter in law Berneice, his sisters; Evelyn Lawrence, Caroline Straus, Dorothy (Keith) Leab, Mary (Joe) Tuttle of Ohio and sister-in-law Betty Ferber of Mt. Dora. Francis and Donna have 20 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

The funeral mass will be held on June 28 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Orlando, starting at 11:30. Visitation will precede the mass starting at 10:30. A reception will follow at the church. Graveside prayers and military honors will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park from 2:30-3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Francis J. Ferber at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.