Arthur R. Ferrera, a founder and former Chairman of the Board of James Ferrera & Sons, Inc., a New England retail food distribution company, died Friday Sept. 30th at the age of 89. Born in Boston, Mr. Ferrera graduated from Boston Latin School in 1934 and Harvard University in 1938. After Harvard, having worked part time throughout his school years, he joined the family business, Columbia Food Stores.
In 1942 he enlisted in the Army and after completing Officer Candidate School, Arthur served with the Air Transport Command, achieving the rank of Captain. He joined the Air Force Reserve after WWII and retired from the Air Force in 1971 with the Rank of Lt. Colonel. Mr. Ferrera was a lifetime member of the D.A.V.
In 1993 Arthur was elected to the Massachusetts Food Assoc. Hall of Fame, recognizing a lifetime of achievement in the food industry. For many years he was active in the New England Wholesale Food Distributors Assoc., serving as President and Chairman. Mr. Ferrera served as a Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Boston and as a Director of Romi Foods, Toronto, Canada. He was also a co-founder and Director of the Nazareth Food Assoc. (known today as the New England Food Foundation). In 1986 the government of the Azores cited Mr. Ferrera for his assistance to the major cheese producers of their country. Arthur enjoyed traveling and was fluent in several European languages.
He was the loving husband of Mildred G. (Rugg)and devoted father of Kenneth G. Ferrera of Westford and James H. Ferrera of Dayton, MD. Brother of Alfred Ferrera of Milton, June Gibson of Canton and the late James, Humbert, Harold, Walter and Lillian Antonelli. Grandfather of Kristian G., Danielle M., Briana E. and Ryan E. Ferrera. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held from the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester on Wed. Oct. 5th at 9AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Eulalia’s Church, Winchester at 10AM. Visiting hours will be held on Tues. from 4-8PM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Lance Armstrong Foundation/LiveStrong P.O. Box 130819, Houston, TX 77219-0819