Charles Richard Ferrara

Charles R. Ferrara passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in North Kansas City, MO surrounded by family. He was 76 years old. He was born on February 4, 1949 in Kansas City, MO to the late Carl Ferrara and Virginia Martino Ferrara and was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, MO.

Charlie was a man whose life reflected integrity, love, and an unwavering devotion to those around him. He met the love of his life, Pamela, in the summer of 1965 while filling in for a friend driving an ice cream truck—a chance encounter that led to 57 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life full of laughter, fierce loyalty, and lasting memories. Music was a constant presence in Charlie’s life. From his grade school years playing clarinet, to playing saxophone in “The band” called The Panics, to his later years when he instilled his love of music to his kids and grandkids alike, music always filled his home and brought joy to family gatherings. You never knew if you would find him strumming a guitar, playing a keyboard, singing or even practicing his newest instrument – the ukulele. Music remained one of his lifelong passions.

To his family, Charlie was our rock—our steady hand and voice of reason. He was our “Mr. Fix-It,” and for good reason. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix, whether it was something mechanical, something broken around the house, or a problem that needed a little perspective and patience. He approached every challenge with practicality and logic, and his advice was always sought after. Nothing rattled him. Charlie had a gift for listening—really listening—and helping others find their way forward, even if it meant asking you a lot of questions along the way.

In the 1980s, Charlie followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded his own real estate company, ERA New Haven. What started as a dream grew into a thriving brokerage built on family values and mutual respect. Many who worked alongside him during those years remember not just the business success, but the camaraderie, mentorship, and warmth that Charlie fostered. Decades later, those friendships remain strong—a true testament to the environment he created and the kind of man he was.

Charlie’s favorite place on earth was the family’s second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, where he and Pam preferred to spend the majority of their time. For 46 years, they opened their home to anyone who wanted to join in on the fun—boating, teaching people to water ski, late night deck parties, water balloon fights, coving out, marathon trivial pursuit games, or simply enjoying the company and laughter that filled their home. The lake was where Charlie was at his happiest: surrounded by family, friends, his favorite lake neighbors, and the simple joy of good times shared.

Charlie believed deeply in the importance of character and faith, always leaning on the Lord to guide his life and values. He made it his mission to instill in his family a clear sense of right and wrong, the importance of faith, the value of family, and respect for others—especially in a world where those qualities too often fade. He cared little for material possessions, finding true worth in his relationship with God and the love of his family. Above all, Charlie will be remembered for his kindness, steadfast love, and unwavering commitment to his family. His legacy of faith, simplicity, and love will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Charlie was the beloved husband of Pamela Leuty Ferrara for 57 years. He was the loving father of Charles Ferrara, Jr. (Kristi), Dia Hayward (Brian), and Anna McGraw (John). Charlie was the proud grandfather of Kaitlyn (Kyle), Paige (Riley), Brennan, Lily, Gavin, Ava, Johnny, and Dominic; great grandfather of Clara and Brooks. He was the loving brother of Sharon Burr (Mike) and Robert Ferrara (Christy). Charlie is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dorothy Leuty, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to services at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119 on Thursday, November 13th, 2025. Visitation from 12PM. Funeral at 2PM. Committal Service will immediately follow the service at White Chapel Cemetery, Gladstone, MO.

Please share memories and condolences on the White Chapel Funeral Home website.