LFHS Alumni Mourn the Loss of Music Director, John Ferraro, Class of 1956
LITTLE FALLS: Mr. John L. Ferraro, beloved Music Director at Little Falls High School for many years, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2016. Throughout the past week, his students have come together on social media to share an outpouring of fond memories of their time spent with “Mr. Ferraro.”
John was a lifelong resident of Little Falls; born on June 29, 1938 to Florence and Salvi Ferraro. John was educated in the Little Falls School System. During his first year at Fredonia, his father passed away. John left college and returned home to run the family business – Salvi’s Music Store with his mother. After the store closed, John returned to college and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music at The College of St. Rose in 1975 in Albany and his Master’s Degree in Music at Potsdam in 1978.
John was employed by the Little Falls School System as the Music Director for instrumental music for the elementary grades up to and including the High School. He truly enjoyed working with his students and had very fond memories of the music program during his employment. He was responsible for the development of the football halftime shows, concert bands and the Jazz Rock ensemble. One of his greatest accomplishments was marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and placing within the top ten.
His love of music was with him all his life. He participated in the Little Falls Military Band under his father’s direction, and years later served as the conductor for the band. Wednesday night band concerts in the park were very well attended and a highlight of his career.
John was united in marriage to the former Audette Louise Lefebvre on April 15, 1961 at St. Mary’s Church. They enjoyed 55 years of wedded bliss.
To read John’s full obituary, please visit: http://enea.eneafuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/8010/John-Ferraro/obituary.html#tribute-start and to share your own stories or memories of your time with Mr. Ferraro visit the “Little Falls High School Alumni” facebook page or https://twitter.com/AlumniLFHS.