Thomas F. Ferlito

HAVERHILL - It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of our Papa, Thomas F. Ferlito who entered eternal rest on May 16, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife, son and daughter at his family home in Bradford.

Tom was born in Lawrence, MA on April 3, 1932 and recently celebrated his 90'th birthday at Joseph's Wine Room with family and close friends. He was the son of the late Fred Ferlito and Margaret (Defio) Ferlito. He was also predeceased by his uncle, Anthony Hussey Defio who raised him with his sister Margaret after the early death of his father when Tom was only 13. Anthony was also the grandfather to Tom and Donna fulfilling this role also after the premature death of Fred.

Tom graduated from Haverhill High School, class of 1950. As an adolescent, he worked a series of odd jobs, including plucking chickens, delivering oil and groceries and even booking horses. He worked as a barber at Fici's Barber Shop for 25 years, before transitioning to sales at Gerson Furniture for the next 20 years until his retirement.

A devout Catholic, he attended the 4:00 PM mass every Saturday at Sacred Hearts church and served as an usher. He had a special devotion to the miraculous Mary medal receiving the medal as a gift at age 13 and wearing it for 77 years.

Tom married the love of his life, Margaret on May 10, 1953 and they recently celebrated their 69'th anniversary.

An avid swimmer since his teenage years at Camp Tasker, Tom was one of the founding members of the Bradford Swim Club at its opening in 1965. He and Margaret were the longest serving club members and upon reaching the 50 year mark, were presented with a lifetime membership and private parking space.

Papa was extremely proud of his Italian heritage and credited his longevity to a daily glass of Cabernet with ice cubes. Tom was a charter member of the Italian Brotherhood and eagerly awaited the annual dinner held each December. He marched with the Sons of Italy Drum and Bugle Corp for many years, playing the drum. His Italian garden was a sight to behold with his signature crop of 6 sweet cherry tomato plants, named for each of his grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (Lacroix) Ferlito of Bradford, MA; his son, Dr. Thomas A. Ferlito and his wife, Kathy of North Andover, MA; his daughter, Donna Ferlito-Brown and her husband, Eric Brown of East Derry, NH; also  by his grandchildren, which he cherished and which led him to tell endless stories of their achievements and successes, befitting of a proud Papa. His favorite quote at holiday gatherings was that he was a very rich man with 6 million dollars’ worth of grandchildren, including  Kaitlyn Brown and her partner Carl Campbell and future great-grandson, Carl IV, Christopher Brown, Erika Brown and her fiancé, Christian Jimenez, Allison Ferlito, Dr. Thomas C. Ferlito, and Kathryn Ferlito.

The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to Papa in his final days of life, especially Karen and Alicia of Encompass VNA, and Sean Yebba of Brighton Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 22, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Services will begin Monday in the funeral home at 10:00 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 S. Main Street, Haverhill at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Haverhill. Donations may be made in his name to Encompass VNA, 35 New England Business Center Drive Andover, MA 01810 and Brighton Hospice, 1234 Chestnut Street, Suite 101, Newton, MA 02464. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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