Rocco Anthony Ferrara

Rocco "Ric" Anthony Ferrara, age 97, widower of Mary Rose Rivers passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on May 14, 2025.  Rocco was born on April 15, 1928 to the late Rocco and Catherine (Squillacote) Ferrara.  Rocco is predeceased by his sisters, Florence (Ferrara) DiDonna and Marie (Ferrara) DiDonna; brother, Joseph Ferrara; and his grandson, Keith Gooley.  Rocco lived in New Britain his entire life, first residing on Pendleton Rd. and later at the home he built to raise his family on Marlin Rd. He graduated from New Britain High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Rocco was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Francis Church, New Britain.

Rocco was a self-employed mason, being the second-generation owner of Rocco Ferrara Mason contractors.  He was a well-respected craftsman in the Greater New Britain community having worked on numerous hospitals, museums, and antique homes.  He worked until the age of 82 and later kept busy tinkering in his workshop and tending to his garden, his coy fish and his many bird friends.  He was a humble, loving man with a gentle nature and a special gift with all animals.

Rocco will be forever missed by his daughter, Catherine and son in-law Keith Gooley; his son, Andrew and daughter in-law Sandra; his grandchildren, Andrew Ferrara Jr. (and wife Marissa), Pascale (Ferrara) Ayala (and husband William), and Elizabeth Capodagli (and fiancé Marcus Giansanti); and great grandson, William Ayala.   He is also survived by his best friend of over 70 years, Fred E. Willis of Berlin.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 9:30 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley St., New Britain.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.  Calling hours are Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 2-5 PM at the funeral home.