JOSEPH J. DESANCTIS, JR., M.D., formerly of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Vero Beach, Florida on May 24, 2014. Born in Philadelphia on October 19, 1935. He was the son of Joseph J. DeSanctis and Marion (Adams). A 1953 graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep he received his BA in History from St., Joseph’s College in 1957. Following his college graduation he was accepted into the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. He was commissioned and assigned to the USS Bold in Charleston, SC for a year and later served as a Watch Officer to the Director of Naval Intelligence at the National Security Agency. In 1961, after earning the rank of Lieutenant, Joe returned to civilian life and pursued his childhood desire of becoming a doctor. Joe graduated from Temple Medical School in 1968 and completed his internship and residency at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. Joe remained connected to Reading Hospital establishing a private practice in Internal Medicine in 1972. He continued practice of medicine until his retirement in 2006 when he and Barbara relocated to the ACTS Retirement Community, Vero Beach, Florida.
Joe leaves behind his wife and partner of 53 years, Barbara (Ehrmann). He is survived by two daughters, Joanne, wife of David Kirk of Chicago, Ill., Patricia, wife of T. Emmett Guiry, Bethel, CT, and his granddaughter, Kathryn Kirk. He was predeceased by his son, Paul Joseph in 2005. He is also survived by his brother, Richard and two sisters, Marie, wife of Thomas Doherty and Rita, wife of John Wittenberger, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and their families.
For the convenience of family and friends a Memorial Mass will be held in Philadelphia at a later date. Contributions may be made to VNA Hospice 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, Fisher House Foundation, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 George Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20307, and The Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, 501 N. Church Road, Wernersville, PA 19565. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/29/14)
RICHARD “RICH”ANTHONY FERRETTI SR., 79, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday May 27th, after a long battle with cancer. Born on October 10, 1934 in Tuckahoe, New York, Rich served as Staff Sergeant in the United State Air Force during the Korean War. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Marie. They lived in New York for 23 years before moving to Vero Beach in 1980. Rich owned and operated Hoppe’s Vacuum and Appliance Repair Service and Sales on Commerce Ave.
Rich was preceded in death by his son Joseph, older brothers Thomas Ferretti, Michael Ferretti and sister Vera Mariani He is survived by his wife of 57 years , Marie, his brother Lou Ferretti, and five children, Tina Carone ( Paul), Richard A. Ferretti Jr. ( Melody), Theresa Woodson ( Andrew), Janet Olsson (Charles), and Christi Ferretti. Eight grandchildren, Andrea Woodson, Larissa Ferretti (Brian Beaty), Lia Ferretti, Matthew Woodson, Richard “Tony” Ferretti III, Grace Olsson, Emily Olsson, Alexander Ferretti and one great granddaughter, Saige Mayalynn. Known as “Papa” by his grandchildren and many friends, his unconditional love and selflessness was always an example to those who knew him. His hard work and commitment to his family was an inspiration to all. He had a heart for his community, actively serving through many civic organizations here and in New York, including The Knights of Columbus, Elks and Rotary.
Proud of his Italian heritage, Rich was a dedicated member of the Italian American Civic Association of Vero Beach for 34 years during which he served as club president several times. Rich co-founded the annual Italian American Food Festival 29 years ago to promote Italian traditions while raising money for college scholarships for local students. Under his leadership the I.A.C.A. often sponsored fund-raisers for various student activities throughout the year. “Well done my good and faithful servant” describes Rich, a member of St. Helen Church and his faithful service to God as a life-long Catholic.
A funeral mass in his honor will be held at St Helen Catholic Church, 2085 Tallahassee Avenue, Vero Beach, on Saturday May 31 at 12:00. The family will receive guests immediately following at the Italian American Civic Association at 1600 25th Street. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Richard A. Ferretti, Sr. Italian Heritage Scholarship Fund at The Marine Bank and Trust Company at 1450 US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or to The Veteran’s Council of Indian River County Memo: Upward American Veteran’s Fund at 1800 27th St, Vero Beach, FL, 32960.www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/29/14)
Indian River Guardian 