John J. Ferruggio
John J. Ferruggio of Milton, formerly of South Boston, passed away on June 19, 2010 at Milton Hospital of a sudden illness. He is survived by wife Susan, sister Josephine, daughters JoAnn Kerzel and her husband David Doyle, Lisa DeLuca and her husband Stephen DeLuca, Donna Lee York and her husband Barry York and grandchildren Alicia, Chase, Katherine, Adam, Taylor and Jillian. He was born July 6, 1925 in Boston, MA, graduated from South Boston High School and served as a Pharmacist Mate 1st Class in the Navy (loaned to the Third Marine Division) from 1943 to 1946. He was part of the historic battles – Guadal Canal, Guam, Iwo Jima and received the WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific 2 Stars and America Area ribbons. John worked as an In-Flight Service Director for 27 years for Pan Am. While working for Pan Am on September 6, 1970 Flight 93 was hijacked; John was considered to be the lead person with saving the lives of 176 people. A documentary was made by PBS called “Hijacked” regarding this incident. Services are scheduled for Wednesday, June 23 at 10:00AM at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., MILTON, with burial immediately following at Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Morrisette Post #294, 116 Sea St. Quincy, MA 02169.
Guestbook Entries
Dear Sue:
We were so sorry to hear about John.
May fond memories you have had with him plus the knowledge of how
much you did for him and his family help you through these
difficult times.
I have always admired your courage and strength and it will
once again get you through. So many people care about you!
With sympathy and love,
Bill & Sandie
Dear JoAnn,
You have my sympathy. I am truly sorry for your loss. I will pray for you, your family and in remembrance of your Father.
Love,
Brenda
Dear Aunt Sue and Family,
I was terribly sadden to hear about the loss of Uncle Johnny. May you find strength during this difficult time in eachother. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Wendy and Ed
Dear Miss Susan, Jo-Ann, Lisa, and Donna Lee, and Josephine:
I extend to all of you my deepest sympathy on the passing
of John. Please know that I am holding you all in my
thoughts, prayers, and in my heart during this difficult time.
I know the wonderful memories you have of him, will sustain you
and bring you peace. Please know, Sue,that I am thinking of you
you were a wonderful wife. God Bless, Miss Peggy
Dear Sue,Jo-Ann, Lisa, Donna, and Josephine: I extend to you
my deepest sympathy on the passing of John. Please know that
I am holding you all in my thoughts, prayers, and in my heart
during this difficult time.
I know the wonderful memories you have of him, will sustain you
and bring you peace. Sue, you were a wonderful wife,
God Bless, Peggy (Waters) Ryan
Dear Susan & JoAnn,
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. JoAnn and I were friends when I danced at the studio on K Street. My name was Elizabeth McGrath. I’ve since married and now I’m Elizabeth Colebourn.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Elizabeth
lizcolebourn@yahoo.com
I read the obituary about your husband, father, in today’s Globe. I was on the TWA plane that was hijacked on the same day as the Pan Am flight. We ended up in a Jordanian desert for a week. I wanted to commend you husband, father for his bravery on that terrble day. It was interesting that he referred to the hijackings that were going on at that time in Cuba. After I was hijacked I thought that this woild be like the Cuban hijackings, just an inconvenience, no threat to life. I was wrong.
May all of the memories you have be wonderful ones along with the knowledge that John Ferruggio was a true hero,
With sympathy,
Debbie Blechner
Susie,
Among the many wonderful things about Johnny I recall is how he helped me after my lay-off from Honeywell many, many years ago. He offered me work helping to fix-up his several South Boston apartments. As much as the money was surely appreciated it was the opportunity to get to know more about him that was so much appreciated. I found him anything but boastful about his military achievements and all he had experienced and accomplished. But what underscored all he told me, was all the people he intimately knew throughout the area to who he introduced me. Both small shop keepers and the big-shots and the politicians. They all left me with quite an impression about Johnny. And what else struck me is how well he spoke of you — my sister !!
Dear Sue, JoAnne, Lisa, Donna Lee and Josephine. I was saddened to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you have always been throughout these years. May God bless you and your families through this difficult time and may all the cherished memories of your Husband, Dad and Brother help bring you peace.
Love,
Linda McLean
I just saw the notice and am saddened to read the news. I remember lots of great times with JF and the rest of the Ferruggio family. I hope that your memories of good times will help you get through these tough days.
You’re in our prayers,
Michael Day
Dear Ferruggio Family,
Unfortunately I did not get to meet John before I retired from DAL.
I read the PCN notice which featured the Globe Newspaper Co. obiturary by B. Marquard and am very impressed with John’s obvious selflessness throughout his interesting life.
I am sure all of you are proud to have had such a man in your lives.
Sincerely,
Fred Gordon