On August 12, 2018 we lost our loving father Alfred Anthony Ferris, the golf world lost its greatest fan, and the country lost a great American Patriot, just a few months shy of his 100th birthday – November 17, 2018. A good friend described him as a “giant of a man,” strong and gentle at the same time. In April 2018 Colonel Ferris, as one of the few World War II veterans still living, was honored at a Florida Panthers game by the “A Hero Among Us Organization.”
Al Ferris lived one of the most storied lives, born in the Bronx, New York with brother and sisters, Marie, Tom, Lorraine & Catherine. He attended high school at the then all boys DeWitt Clinton High School where he played football and earned a full ride scholarship to Villanova University. In 1940 he married the love of his life Catherine Walsh, who he had known since the age of 16. They were blissfully married until her death in 1983, a love he cherished until his death. Through their marriage we learned the true meaning of love and commitment.
After driving a Tasty Bread Truck in New York, a stint with the New York City Fire Department Engine Company 14, he was called to active duty in both World War II and the Korean War. He spent 27 years in the United States Army. He was a rare “Army Mustang” where he entered the military as a private and retired as a full Bird Colonel. Much of his career was with Army Intelligence while stationed in various locations in Germany.
Lovingly referred to as Dad, Tatus, Grandpa, Big Al and The Colonel, Al is survived by his son Alfred (Shirley) daughters Lorraine Vosmik (Larry) ChristineTeele (Mark) grandchildren Katherine “KC” Walker (Dan) Alexa and Connor Ferris, and great granddaughter Reynolds Elizabeth Walker.
The Colonel was an American Hero, loved by all that had the opportunity to have met him. He will be missed by all whose lives were touched by him in some small way. Hopefully, in the great beyond, he will continue the “Ferris Fairways” tradition that he started at Discovery Village and pass on his passion for life and the game of golf.
A private family burial will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, https://www.trustbridge.com/
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