Frank T. Ferrante

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Frank Ferrante, 62, of Westerleigh, a business owner, executive vice president in the dairy industry and dedicated community activist, who touched the lives of many with his charitable work and role-modeling, died Tuesday in Richmond University Medical Center.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mr. Ferrante moved to Willowbrook in 1979. He lived in Todt Hill and Castleton Corners before settling in Westerleigh.

Mr. Ferrante graduated from the former St. John's Preparatory School, Brooklyn. He graduated from St. John’s University, Grymes Hill, with a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Active in his community, Mr. Ferrante’s dedication was not limited to one cause. He extended his expertise to aid those in need in the field of education, health and culture.

Honored by Moore Catholic High School, Graniteville, in 1996, Mr. Ferrante played an active role in bringing N.Y. football Giants former celebrity players, Phil Simms and Ottis Anderson, to the Island to help raise funds for the school.

Mr. Ferrante was honored by the B’nai Brith in 2002 and also honored for his service to the Big Brothers organization.

Mr. Ferrante served on the board of directors at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Livingston. He was honored in May 2003 at the Neptune Ball for his dedicated service. His efforts to secure public and private funding sources in difficult economic times were praised by former Borough President Ralph Lamberti, chairman emeritus of Snug Harbor.

“Frank was an astute businessman who had the ability to reach beyond the shores of Staten Island to promote Snug Harbor,” said Lamberti.

In September 2004, Mr. Ferrante was honored by the Da Vinci Society at Wagner College, which pays tribute to prominent Italian-Americans who serve their community.

A board member for the South Jersey March of Dimes, he was recognized for his contributions in 2004.

Mr. Ferrante served from 1999 through 2005 on the board of directors at Staten Island University Hospital. He received the Smith Dreyfus award in 2001 and was also honored by the hospital for his service in April 2011.

“Frank was a man big in stature that had a heart to match. He was a philanthropist, who raised significant money for the hospital and its mission. He will be missed. As a businessman and member of the hospital board, his contributions went beyond simply dollars, as his expertise in business contributed greatly to the hospital operations,” said Anthony Ferreri, President and CEO of Staten Island University Hospital and regional executive director of the Northshore LIJ Health Systems.

Mr. Ferrante worked from 1983 to 1999 as the vice president and general manager of Farmland Dairies, Wallington, N.J. He was the senior vice president of Dean Food, Union, N.J., and the general manager and vice president of Parmalot, Wallington, N.J. He was also part owner of Sensational Farm Fresh Dairies in Elizabeth, N.J.

In his leisure, he enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra and the Beatles. He also enjoyed visiting his summer home in Point Pleasant, N.J. An animal lover, he was fond of dogs and had the pleasure of having many pets during his life. He was also an avid sports and celebrity autograph collector. He liked to entertain and spend time with his family.

Mr. Ferrante was a parishioner of St. Teresa’s R.C. Church, Castleton Corners.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, the former JoAnn Tamburrino; three daughters, Lauren Posavetz, Lisa Sleap, and Francine Ferrante; his mother, Grace Ferrante; a brother, Thomas Ferrante; a sister, Annette Arnsten, and two grandchildren.

The funeral will be Saturday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Teresa’s Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Arrangements under the direction of Casey Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY.