David Joseph Ferrucci

He was born in Boston on July 7, 1953. At the age of six months, he was adopted with great love by his parents Ralph S. and Priscilla R. (Johnson) Ferrucci and raised by them in Milford, MA with his beloved younger sister, Marilyn.

David valued his mother’s Swedish heritage but particularly embraced his father’s Italian heritage. He had fond recollections of food shopping with Nonna Ferrucci and of her teaching him to cut vegetables and about the distinctions among Italian cheeses, as well as her family recipes. He retained these culinary skills as an adult, being renowned among his friends for his homemade pizza and elaborate appetizers. He had a discerning palate and a keen nose to accompany it.

In middle age, David accompanied his father on a memorable journey to Italy where they visited their ancestral sites and met many relatives.

David attended Milford schools, making some lifelong friends. His first job was as stock boy in a lingerie store for mature ladies. He graduated from Bates College in 1975 with a double major in biology and English, solid evidence of his far-ranging intellectual abilities and interests. He enjoyed his time there and had many memorable experiences on and off campus with friends on Wentworth Adams Hall 4th floor, where he lived his entire time at Bates. He remained close friends with several of his fellow “Adams 4 Batesies,” whom he met over 50 years ago.

Following a period of employment as a technician in a Boston cardiology lab, David continued his education at the University of Maine School of Law (Class of 1980), where a professor chose him to assist in research for a book on Maine trusts and estates. He practiced law for many years in Maine, first with Broaddus & Ferrucci in Westbrook, and subsequently operated a solo practice in collaboration with Kettle & Carter in Portland. He had a fierce loyalty to his clientele whom he viewed as the less fortunate underdogs of society, typically representing them in criminal and parental rights proceedings, often foregoing to bill for his services.

David had a kind and generous heart. He had the knack of meeting someone for the first time and gently extracting their life story with his charm and empathy, regardless of their station in life. He had a keen disdain of snobbery or elitism. He was a proud, affectionate uncle to his nieces and nephews and was generous to his friends’ children, too.

David appreciated everything from opera to a good New England Patriots game. While he eschewed participating in sports himself, he dearly enjoyed being out in a sailboat. He “hated” parties, but was invited to many, and was usually the last to leave.

He attended local opera productions and faithfully listened to the Saturday Matinee Broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to his more highbrow musical tastes, David appreciated rock & roll and the blues. David also had a keen appreciation of popular culture and an astonishing memory. Few life situations arose for which he did not have a ready Seinfeld quote.

He lived life large. His motto might well have been "I spent a lot of money on wine, women, and song; the rest I just squandered.”

David was predeceased by his devoted parents. He is survived by sister Marilyn F. Gilman and brother-in-law Roger Gilman of Mendon, MA, who contributed greatly to David’s comfort in his final years, as well as two nieces: Megan Gilman and Gwen (Shauki) Villar, and two nephews: Andrew (Mary) Gilman and Tyler (Brianna) Gilman. He also leaves behind five great nieces and nephews: Logan, Dylan, & Riley Gilman and Julia & Renee Villar.

He also leaves many grieving friends who will miss his gift of laughter, his kindness, and his witty take on life. The world is a duller place without David in it.

Only three days before his death, David showed his appreciation in his signature fashion to the radiology team who cared for him so well and with whom he bonded.

David would have celebrated his 71st birthday Sunday, July 7, no doubt in the company of his closest friends, as was his tradition. A memorial service will be announced for later this summer. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery in Milford, MA.

Lux perpetua et requiem eternae.