Kenneth Allen Ferrer, 79, of West Simsbury, loving husband of 53 years to Katharine (Curry) Ferrer, died peacefully with his family by his side at McLean Hospice on Thursday (April 15, 2010) following a long, courageous battle with cancer. ``Al'' was born in Torrance, CA on February 10, 1931, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1954 where he played varsity tennis and squash. Upon graduation, he served on ROCHESTER (CA 124), KULA GULF (CVE 108), was Executive Officer of an LST, commanded an LCU DIV, and completed submarine school.
Al left the Navy in 1960 as a Lieutenant to join the U.S. Steel Corp. He progressed through various market development, sales engineering and sales management positions. While working for U.S. Steel, he and his family lived in Jacksonville, FL, Atlanta, GA, Marietta, OH and West Simsbury. He retired as U.S. Steel's Sales Manager for New England after 33 years. He was responsible for major contracts for hull and armor plate for both Electric Boat and Bath Iron Works; ultimately for destroyers and submarines still at sea today. After retirement, he worked part-time at Brooks Brothers in West Hartford. He was active in the community and church vestry and volunteered as PTA president and Little League coach. He shared his love of tennis with all his children, and played intense ping pong games when Georgia thunderstorms precluded outdoor activity. He had an uncanny ability to turn any yard green, which was exceeded only by his ability to get his children to rake anything that dared cover his masterpiece. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Katharine Curry of Washington, DC; his son, Brad Ferrer and his wife Patty of Atlanta, GA; son, CAPT John Ferrer, USN, and his wife Bridget of San Diego, CA; daughter, Kathy Zirolli and her husband Dean of Avon, CT; son, Kenneth Ferrer of West Palm Beach, FL; and seven grandchildren, including Benjamin and Andrew Ferrer of Atlanta, GA: Matt, Mia and Thomas Ferrer of San Diego, CA; and Vicky and Dean Allen Zirolli of Avon, CT.
A Celebration of Al's life will be held on Saturday (May 8, 2010) at 10 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 35 Harris Road, Avon. Rev. Halsey Stevens will officiate. Interment of cremains is planned at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium, Annapolis, MD. Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center of Avon is caring for the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to McLean Hospice, 75 Great Pond Rd., Simsbury, CT 06070 or to a charity of the donor's choice. For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.
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