Philip Joseph Ferdinando (“Farmer Phil”)
It is with profound sadness that we share that Philip Joseph Ferdinando, affectionately known as “Farmer Phil,” passed away unexpectedly on January 16.
Phil was born on December 22, 1956, in Derry, to Vincent Louis and Miriam Grace Ferdinando, and was raised on his family’s generational farm, where his roots—and his heart—remained throughout his life. He attended Derry schools and graduated from Pinkerton Academy, Class of 1974, where he was a proud member of the PA band. Known as “Phee” to many, it was there that his lifelong love for the saxophone and live music began. Over the years, Phil attended countless concerts, especially enjoying Tower of Power, Vince Gill, and Chris Stapleton.
Phil loved to travel, particularly to his family camp in Maine, Nashville, Amish Country in Pennsylvania, and Jamaica.
Alongside his brothers, Phil was the owner and operator of J&F Farms, Inc., a business he held close to his heart. Making his parents and grandparents proud—long after they were gone—was his purpose. From trucking throughout New England in the early years of the wholesale business, to opening a roadside stand at Blue Seal Feed on Crystal Avenue, and eventually establishing the retail farm market on Route 102, Phil’s dedication never wavered. Opening the market was one of his greatest accomplishments.
While raising his young family, Phil somehow managed it all—tending beef cattle, planting and harvesting hundreds of acres of corn and other crops, irrigating through droughts, welding equipment back together, tinkering endlessly in the garage, and famously fixing any injury with electrical tape.
A proud vegetable grower, Phil loved his land and loved feeding his community. Anyone who enjoyed Farmer Phil’s sweet corn or strawberries became an instant fan. Neighbors and passersby were often greeted by Phil atop a John Deere, offering a friendly wave and a warm smile. His tractor collection seemed to multiply, always justifying the need for one more piece of equipment.
Phil was a dedicated member of the American Farm Bureau Federation since the 1970s. He served as President of the Rockingham County Farm Bureau and held numerous roles on county and state agricultural boards. He frequently spoke before the state legislature and was a respected voice at the forefront of New Hampshire agriculture. In 2000, Phil was honored with the prestigious Farm of Distinction Award. He was also an active member of the Vegetable Growers Association and a longtime participant in the annual Farm & Forest Exposition. A passionate advocate for farm preservation, Phil spent many years serving on the Derry Conservation Commission.
Phil was known for his incredible work ethic and his willingness to lend a hand, a tool, or a piece of machinery to anyone in need. A mentor to many, his knowledge—on farming, mechanics, weather, or life—knew no bounds.
A trusted local source for weather forecasts, Phil also owned and operated Ferdinando Plowing, beginning in high school and maintaining contracts with local businesses for more than 40 years.
Above all else, Phil devoted his life to his three daughters, who were his pride and joy. He shared a special bond with each of them and always made time for quality moments together. He beamed with pride over their accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to talk about them. His love, guidance, and strength live on through his four cherished grandchildren. His Superman persona will leave a lasting impression on them. The glue that held his family together, he was truly the center of their world.
Phil was predeceased by his parents, the mother of his daughters, Diane; and his father-in-law, Philip Park Jr.
He is survived by his daughters Melissa, Amanda, and Jillian Ferdinando; his grandchildren Mason Vincent, Audrey Grace, Lucas James, and Olivia Diane; his and Diane’s siblings; Francis, Benny, Bryan, Jamie & Gina, Donny, Dana, Doug & Patti, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and an extraordinary number of friends.
Genuine to his core, Phil was kind to everyone he met. While his untimely passing leaves an unimaginable void, his legacy—of hard work, generosity, and love of land and community—will endure. In his honor, enjoy a cigar at Twin’s or raise a glass in remembrance.
There will be a celebration of Phil’s life on Wednesday, February 4th at Birch Wood Vineyards, 199 Rockingham Road, Derry. Guests are encouraged to carpool as parking is limited. Reception is between 11am-2pm or 4-8pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Hampshire Farm Bureau. https://www.nhfarmbureau.org/donate/ or to the Rockingham County Farm Bureau: RCFB, 11 Deerfield Road, Nottingham, NH 03290.