Francis Milton Ferber

born in Hamilton, Ohio, to Francis Jacob Ferber and Donna Rose Lough Ferber, passed away January 17, 2013, after a lengthy illness at age 63. After moving to Florida in his teens, Francis graduated from Oak Ridge High School, class of 1968, where he excelled at basketball, the sport he dearly loved. He was recruited as a valuable member of the Valencia Junior College Matador squad. At 6' 5", Francis played basketball for the first team ever at VJC and earned his Associate in Arts degree. Francis was self-employed as owner of Food Supply of Florida and an independent food distributor for Flowers Baking Company in Central Florida.

Francis is survived by his wife, Berneice G. Ferber, and their children Angela Anne Ferber; Alicia Anne Ferber and Orlando Jose Morales Jr.; April Anne Ferber; and Andrew Francis Ferber. Francis is also survived by six grandchildren: Serena Joy; Jessica-Anne Adela; Emily-Anne Alisa; Tyler Anthony; Aiden "Audi" Virgilio; and Lilly-Anne Aracely, all of Orlando.

In addition to his parents, Francis is also survived by siblings including David (Denise) Ferber of Morganton, North Carolina; Vivian (Steve) Durkee; Joseph (Elisabeth) Ferber; Marilyn Ferber; Diana Seal; Deborah (Glenn) Durkee; Cynthia (Gerald) Beauchamp; Karen (Duane) Newman; and Elizabeth (Mickey) Null, all from the Central Florida area.

Services for Francis are scheduled at St. John Vianney on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Viewing begins at 11 A.M., with Mass at Noon. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Gotha, FL.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Sherneice "Shae," Tandelier, Mercedes, Gladys, and Mona of the Nursing Department, and Lisa, of the Activity Center, at Colonial Lakes Health Care, for the loving kindness shown towards Francis while in their care. In addition, the family remembers Frank's special friends, Alan "Hi Buddy" Bailey and Juan Molina, and all the nurses and staff who went above and beyond their duties in friendship and service to Francis. Family members also wish to thank the personnel at Lake Bennett who cared for Francis in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Francis’ name to www.alz.org. Visit Francis’ online Tribute Page at: www.collisoncareyhand.com