Vasil Ferro

He is survived by his lovely wife of 62 years Fillareti, his daughter Eftalia Budri, her husband Dhiogjen, their daughters Mariza and Natalia, his son Maksim Ferros and his wife Diana, their children William and Nausica, also his half-brothers Mike Ferros, Angelo Ferros, and his half-sisters Lia Chase and Linda Bean. He is predeceased by his half-sister Audrey Glenn.

Vasil was born on April 3, 1935 in Haskovo, Albania to John and Evdhoksia Ferro. His grandfather and father emigrated to USA to support their families as did many people from the Greek minority villages in Albania.

After World War II Albania established a brutal communist regime that did not allow its citizens to leave the country. Vasil never met or knew his father in person, they were only communicating with letters.

He was raised by his mother, Evdhoksia, a smart and strong woman who worked hard all her life so her son would have a good education and better life.

Vasil graduated University of Tirana in 1958, with a 4-year degree in Philology. He was fluent three languages: Greek, Albanian and Russian.

His started his first job as a High School teacher in Lezhe, Albania.

In 1960 he moved to Delvine High School to teach Russian language and other subjects. In few years he became an assistant principal.

He was a resolute and passionate educator that care deeply for his students, their academic progress, their achievements, and success in life. He had a significant and lasting influence to many generations of pupils.

In late ’70 he was promoted as an Education Inspector and moved to Saranda. He worked in this profession until his retirement.

In early ’90 emigrated to Greece with his family for a better life as most Albanians did after the fall of communism.

As a son of an American citizen, he was able to able to obtain an US passport via naturalization and together with his son emigrated to USA in 1994. He would spend few months of the year in US and in Greece where his daughter lived with her family.

Vasil and his wife moved permanently in Portland, Maine in early 2000 where they lived with their son and his family.

Fishing was one of his greatest hobbies, he also spent his time writing short poems in Facebook dedicated to his family, friends, and his favorite places.

Vasil was an avid book reader with a profound knowledge of history, with a phenomenal memory of people, events, and places that he has been. His wisdom, kindness and humor were inspirational to everyone that had the privilege of knowing him.

He was a wonderful and dedicated husband, a beloved father and best pappou that a grandkid can have. He will be immensely missed from his family, friends, and people that he touched with his kindness.

Visiting hours will be held 5-7 pm Monday, June 10, 2024, at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford's St., Portland 04103.

The funeral service will be held 11 am Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant St., Portland, Maine.

Interment will be at Forest City Cemetery, 232 Lincoln St., South Portland, ME 04106

Those who wish to send a memorial tribute may do so at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Vasil’s memory to:

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Greek School

133 Pleasant St.

Portland, Maine 04101