PLATTSBURGH – It is with a heavy heart I share the passing of my dad, Jack Ferrara, at his home at the age of 85.

It is also with a full heart bursting, I reflect on and celebrate the blessing of having Jack, "Papa", in our lives.  Jack was a giving and loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend.

He was born in Brockton, Massachusetts and grew up playing baseball at the Grafton Street ballpark across the road from his home, following his idol, Ted Williams and the Boston Red Sox.  After 2 years in the army, Jack started his 38-year career in sales with Nabisco which led him to Plattsburgh, New York.  Jack was the "cookie man" of the North Country and made a career of servicing customers and training the next generation.  He never missed one day of work and turned down many promotions to stay close to home near his family.  Jack carried on his love of baseball and played semi-pro ball representing multiple teams.  He was a great athlete and spent time playing basketball and making friends at the YMCA.  He also coached Babe Ruth in Plattsburgh for several years.

Jack met Beverly Guay at her father's store and it was love at first sight.  He was sure she was the one and 6 months later they were married at St. Peter's Church.  For 62 years, they lived by the song he loved, "Just the Way You Are", by Billy Joel.  Their love, respect and genuine interest in one another is both beautiful and rare.  Beverly and Jack did everything together and preferred a simple life full of love and evenings on the porch.

I became the luckiest girl in the world in 1965 when I was adopted by this amazing couple.  I am so proud to be "Daddy's Little Girl"!  I can recall dancing on his feet around the room, playing hair stylist on him, Saturday morning errands, endless hours of catch and swimming all day while enjoying the sun… he loved the sun on his face!  Dad was the biggest and loudest fan of MAI and Plattsburgh State volleyball and never missed a game.  He was supportive, encouraging, steady and boy, was he fun!  My dad lived the greatest lessons of life and is a role model to so many.

As Papa he would not tire.  He would endlessly walk the house singing "Mockingbird" to soothe one of his 3 grandchildren (Alexis, Jack and Blake). You could not wear him out on a sledding hill.  He played "Go Fish", built Tupperware towers, captured the twins in the scissors, colored and played catch for hours.  Our children were fortunate to be loved by him.

Jack was an avid golfer in retirement.  He was close to his brother-in-law, John Guay of Middle Grove, New York.  They enjoyed sweet, hot summer days at the Saratoga Racetrack, laughs and cold Coors Light or Michelob Ultra.  A trip to Red Sox training camp was the highlight of their escapades as they got a kick out of charging everything to the room.  Jack looked forward to authentic Italian cooking by his sister-in-law, Mimi Guay.  He showed immense respect and love for his son-in-law, Bradford Cushman.  Though they came from different worlds, they were connected deeply by their intense love of family.

As Jack faced health challenges it was his wish to remain at home and Beverly dedicated her life to loving him and providing him unparalleled care for several years.

Warmest thanks to Dr. Richard Webber, Jules and staff for without them the final chapter of their love story would not have been one of peace.  Special thanks to the HCR aides and staff for their compassionate care of Jack and his family.  Much appreciation to Lisa Crowningshield who was a great buddy to Jack.

Due to the challenges presented by the Covid pandemic, there will be a private service.  The family requests no flowers or food.  Those wishing to honor Jack may consider donating to the bravest children in the world through St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at St. Jude.org.

We are all better people for being loved by and touched by Jack, "Papa" and we will live our lives in his honor and example, "work hard, laugh often, be honest, be careful and have fun!" and of course, "Go Sox!"

Love, Seena Cushman, "Daddy's Little Girl" forever