Russell Nicholas Ferraro

Russell Ferraro, age 74, of Staten Island, New York went out of life as he went through it - on his own terms. As all who knew him can attest, he would have been happy to "clock out" before the clocks were turned back. A lifelong sufferer of Seasonal Affective Disorder, he dreaded the sun setting at 4:30 P.M.

Russell was born in New York in 1949. He was the first child of Ignazio Ferraro and Frances Ferraro, with four siblings to follow who often turned to him for advice. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later worked as a manager for a scale company until retirement. Thereafter, he spent his time enjoying his grandchildren, participating in many silly board games on holidays with family, and of course, playing World of Warcraft. Daresay, there was not a dragon in all the land that did not fear his fortitude and tenacity. To keep the dragons at bay, he required the latest computer technology which he would later often graciously pass down to others.

He will be missed, but we will forever treasure a lifetime of memories made with him. These include many trips taken with his family to Aruba, and especially Lake George in the summer. He enjoyed visiting the town, shopping at the outlets, Wal-Mart and Ace Hardware. His dry wit and seemingly tough exterior hid a gentle soul with a fierce love for his family, The New York Jets, and all animals (except dragons). Though not a real people-person, he never met an animal he did not love and that did not love him back. He had a knack for telling you like it was, but that was how you knew he loved you. He liked forwarding his "joke of the day" emails to give you a laugh first thing in the morning. Making people laugh was one of the things that kept him going, and he would often do so at his own expense and with a brief twinkle in his eyes which was priceless.

Russell was predeceased by his parents, Ignazio and Frances, as well as his son-in-law Jason Gillum and his beloved beagle, Maggie. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Mary Lou, children Melissa (Ian) and Melanie, as well his brothers and sisters, grandsons Nicholas and Craig, several nieces, a nephew and his talking parrot, Baby Bird.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to https://give.ucdavis.edu/MIND/FXTASRF in memory of Russell Ferraro.

A visitation for Russell will be held Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A visitation will occur Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310.

A mass of christian burial will occur Monday, October 30, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament RC Church, Forest Ave & Manor Rd., Staten Island, NY 10310.

A committal service will occur Monday, October 30, 2023 from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY 11792.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harmonfuneralhome.net for the Ferraro family.