Louis Robert Ferretti, 85, passed away at home on May 12, 2012. Louis was born as a first generation American on September 5, 1926 in New York City to the late Mary Salvatore and Robert Louis Ferretti who originated from Pignolla, Italy. He grew up in Queens, working in the family grocery store.
Lou married the love of his life on February 18, 1951 in Westbury and remained devoted to her. Elisabeth (Saffroy) Ferretti survives at home. She was born in Sens, France and came to America in 1947.
Lou was a retired FDNY fireman and a proud veteran of the United States Army serving his country during World War II in Japan. He was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. In 1973, he moved his family to Dutchess County and gradually began to build their home in LaGrangeville.
An avid gardener and herbalist, talented artist and extraordinary story-teller, Lou had a love of nature, music, poetry, history, and, of course, a good Italian pastry! One of his most well-known charcoal drawings, "Indian Head with Headdress" was installed at The Rockwell Museum in Corning, New York. Lou and Elisabeth had the good fortune to be able to travel throughout the United States and Europe, and Lou always enjoyed recalling his safari through Africa.
He is survived by his children: Helen Smelser of Dallas, TX, Steven J. Ferretti of LaGrangeville, Henry M. Ferretti and his wife Carol of Hyde Park and Michael P. Ferretti and his wife Michelle of CA. A son, Louis R. Ferretti, predeceased him on March 25, 1993. He is also survived by a brother, Gerald Ferretti and his wife Irene; and two sisters, Josephine Curd and Marie Pietroforte. He will be remembered lovingly by grandchildren, Nickolas Ferretti, Allie Ferretti, Casara Ferretti and Anthony Ferretti of New York, Matt Ferretti of Montana, Jeanne Smelser of Ohio, Michael and his wife Tiffany of Florida, Michelle Ferretti, Laura Ferretti and Joseph Ferretti of California; and three great-grandchildren, Madeline and Mitchell Ferretti of Florida and Christopher Thomas Smelser of Ohio.
The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday from 11 am - 1:30 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 2pm at St. Denis Cemetery, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction.
For driving directions and online condolences, please visit Louis' Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.