Dec. 11, 1912-July 2, 2012
Born in Montechiaro, Italy Mr. Ferrero immigrated to the U.S. in 1916, moving to Merced in 1920. He had to leave school in his second year of high school to start working. Unable to complete his own education, he became a generous supporter of student scholarships, the Merced Community College Technical Institute, and the U.C. Merced Electrical Engineering program.
After various jobs and small business ownership, he became hangar foreman at Castle Air Force Base during WWII. In 1946 he purchased a small electrical business with 4 employees and developed it into an electrical contracting company with 7 locations throughout central California, employing over 200 electricians.
Among his many accomplishments and awards of recognition are; active member of the Rotary Club, Elks Club, Italo-American Lodge, Merced Trade Club, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Industrial Committee, and president of Merced Booster Club. From 1953-1955 he served on the Merced City Council, 1955-1957 he was Mayor of Merced, returned to City Council in 1959-1961, served as Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club from 1963-1964, in 1969 was elected Elks Citizen of the Year and Merced Community Man of the Year, 1970-1974 served as director of Merced County Fair, 1980 received the National Alliance of Business Certificate of Distinction, and in 2000 he was awarded Century Donor of Boy Scouts of America.
Mr. Ferrero is survived by his 3 children, Robert Ferrero (Rena), Judy Blankenship, and Betty Ewart (Larry); 4 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to your favorite local charities.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18