ROCHESTER, NY – On August 14, 2023, Rosario passed away at the age of 89. He was born in San Cataldo, Italy and later moved to Turin as a child. In his mid-20s, Rosario relocated to the United States and served in the U.S. Army as part of the traveling military band.
He is survived by his three children: Michael (Cheryl) Ferrara, Ronald (Kimberly) Ferrara, and daughter Karen Ferrara. Rosario also leaves behind his grandchildren: Philip, Ron, Eric (Kristina), Jesse (Britney), Tia, Amy (Jonathan), and Jamie Ferrara, as well as four great-grandchildren: Parker, Tyler, Erica, and Hunter. His sister, Santina Baudoni-Ferrara, and two nephews, Tony (Sharon) Mangione Jeremy Mangione, Carlo Vitrotti, Roger Vitrotti, also mourn his loss.
Ross retired from Expert Appliance in 2020, where he had worked as their Sales Manager. Throughout his career, he had been a Real Estate Agent for Snyder Realty, Pimm Realty, and Ada Realty. He had also been employed at Eastman Kodak and taught accordion at Benson Studios in the 1960s.
Music was Ross’s passion, and he played the accordion in his band “The Continentals” during the 70s and 80s. In recent years, Ross continued to play his accordion and keyboard, occasionally traveling with The Franco Gallelli Italian band.
Ross was a dedicated fan of soccer, both men’s and women’s, as well as hockey (Rochester Amerks) and football (Buffalo Bills). However, his true passion was music and entertaining. He loved performing for his family, friends, and audiences, and he will be remembered for his kindness, charm, and witty sense of humor.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Ann’s Nursing Home for their care and compassion.
A memorial service/mass will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at St. Ann’s Chapel located at 1500 Portland Ave. Rochester, NY,
We are very sad to hear the news. Ross was an old “Brazilian” friend, always cheerful and happy. We will miss him dearly.
Our condolences to his family.
Ross had such a special place in my heart. I looked forward to our every other day visits. Every time I would walk in and say “Hello my friend” and he would say “Jennifer? Maybe we can go for a walk in 30 mins” Our walks were my favorite!!! I sure will miss him.
On behalf of my dad Anthony Lopez, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you.
Dad and Ross shared a very special friendship…..they were closer than brothers.
I know without a doubt they are playing their music together.
Ross and I played together in the group called the Continentals. He was a great musician and better yet a good friend. After I moved to Arizona we still kept in touch. He moved to Arizona for a while and we continued to play music together.. I will miss him. R.I.P my good friend.
Frank De Rosa,Ph.D