Last Call for Al Ferrer

I received the following Shipmate Last Call Article for Al Ferrer from his son, Captain John A Ferrer, USN, USNA'82

Kenneth Allen Ferrer, of West Simsbury, loving husband of 53 years to Katharine (Curry) Ferrer, died peacefully with his family by his side at McLean Hospice on Thursday April 15, 2010 following a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.

"Al" was born in Torrance, CA on 10 February 1931, attended the Naval Academy, was a varsity tennis and squash player and graduated with the Class of 1954.

Upon graduation, he served on ROCHESTER (CA 124), KULA GULF (CVE 108), was Executive Officer of an LST, commanded an LCU DIV, and completed submarine school.

Al left the Navy in 1960 as a Lieutenant to join the U.S. Steel Corp. He progressed through various market development, sales engineering and sales management positions. While working for U.S. Steel he and his family lived in Jacksonville, FL, Atlanta, GA, Marietta, OH and then West Simsbury, CT. He retired in West Simsbury, CT, as U.S. Steel's Sales Manager for New England after 33 years. He was responsible for major contracts for hull and armor plate for both Electric Boat and Bath Iron Works; ultimately for destroyers and submarines still at sea today. After retirement, he worked part-time at Brooks Brothers in West Hartford.

He was active in the community and church vestry, and volunteered as PTA president and Little League coach. He shared his love of tennis with all his children, and played intense ping-pong games when Georgia thunderstorms precluded outdoor activity. He had an uncanny ability to turn any yard green, which was exceeded only by his ability to get his children to rake anything that dared cover his masterpiece.

He is survived by his loving wife, the former Katharine Curry of Washington, DC; son, Bradford Ferrer, and his wife, Patty of Atlanta; son, CAPT John Ferrer, USN, '82, and his wife, Bridget of San Diego; daughter, Kathy Zirolli, and her husband, Dean of Avon, CT; and son, Kenneth Ferrer of West Palm Beach, FL; and seven grandchildren.

Interment of cremains is planned at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to McLean Hospice, 75 Great Pond Rd., Simsbury, CT 06070 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

There will be a memorial service on May 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 35 Harris Road, Avon. Rev. Halsey Stevens will officiate. For online condolences, please visit
http://www.funeralquestions.com/obits/carmon/memorial_index.asp