John J. Ferrera

Mr. John J. Ferrera, of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. He was 83.

John was born in Waltham on November 26, 1935, the son of Italian immigrants Francesco and Carmela (Perania) Ferrera. After graduating from Waltham High School he attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy where he was a top achiever as a Marine and Electrical Engineer in 1957. He went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy where he would rise to the rank of Captain. Before his retirement he had worked for 45 years as an engineer for General Electric. He loved his job and was able to work in countries all over the world, France, Amsterdam, Singapore and South Africa just to name a few. He was a well-respected businessman and was known for his expertise in residential property markets.

As a world traveler John was able to visit more than 100 countries in his 83 years. For a time he made South Africa his home and it was there he would meet his wife, Joey. He had a passion for life; from fine wines, preparing a 'braai' at his home in South Africa, watching CNN on his 80-inch screen television to his love for fine art sculptures and paintings. He loved going to the movies at the famous Neelsie Cinema at Stellenbosch University and enjoyed musical performances. He enjoyed going out with his wife for dinner and the famous Italian Club was only one of their favorite restaurants in Cape Town. He passionately enjoyed rounds of golf on courses all over the world. He was a wonderful cook and his secret red sauce recipe, which he inherited from his mother, was always a winner. He loved dancing and had been a semi-professional dancer off Broadway in the 1960's. He fondly remembered his time spent with his family in Boston where he enjoyed home cooked Italian meals. John spoke often about his family and with great pride.

Besides his wife, Johanna 'Joey' H. (Janse van Rensburg) Ferrera he is survived by his son, Alexander 'Alex' Ferrera (Alessandra) of Indianapolis, Indiana; his grandson, Andrew Ferrera; his step-children, Pieter Ludick (Liezl-Mia) of The Netherlands and Joey Meiring (Gert) of South Africa; his granddaughter, Keira Meiring; his sister, MaryAnn Ohrenberger of Quincy; his sister-in-law Mary Ann Ferrera of Waltham and also leaves many nieces, nephews, in-laws in South Africa and their families.

He was also the brother of the late Angelo 'Kirk' Ferrera, Antoinette Bellomo (late Charles) and PFC Alfonso Ferrera, USMC who was killed in World War II and he was the brother-in-law of the late Charles Ohrenberger.

Family and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering to visit at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17th in the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St. (Rte. 20), Waltham where his funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Burial will be held privately in the family lot at Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.