Richard H. Ferraro of Wellesley, MA, died on October 14, 2025 at home while in hospice care. Richard was born in New Haven, CT, the only child of Mary Ann (nee Perry) and Adelmo Ferraro. Richard was a graduate of Fairfield University, Tufts School of Dental Medicine, Yale University School of Public Health, Yale University Oral Surgery Residency Program, Harvard University School of Education.
Richard is survived by his wife Ilona (nee Uusvoog) of 55 years. Richard leaves cousins, nieces and nephews in the US and extended family in Sweden.
During his career Richard was the Founding Director of Tufts Columbia Point Dental Health Center, Founding Director New England Region Prudential Dental Maintenance Organization, Founding Dental Director MGH/Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Founding Director of Regional Operations Cigna Dental Health, Founding Director Tri-State Regional Medical Program, Founding Director MGH Institute of Health Professions Graduate Program in Clinical Trials. He spent two years in Sweden as a clinician with the Swedish National Health System.
Richard was a wonderful creative, empathetic and kind person with a good sense of humor. As a young man he loved to play the bass and played in several bands. Richard was loved by many and he will forever be in our hearts.
A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington St, Wellesley on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Richard Ferraro Award, American Association of Public Health Dentistry, 136 Everett Rd, Albany, NY 12205.