Antonio “Tony” Ferrara

“The Mountains are calling and I must go” - John Muir

Mr. Antonio “Tony” Ferrara, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, lawyer and mechanical engineer, passed away on the morning of December 31, 2018 in Ellicott City, Maryland.

The first son of Italian immigrants, Antonio and Rose Ferrara of Fondichelli-Fantina, Messina Sicily, Antonio was born in Baltimore, MD January 22, 1930.

Ferrara attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and graduated with honors in 1948. He continued his schooling at the University of Maryland where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1952. During his time there, Ferrara was a member of the University of Maryland Men’s Varsity Track team where he ran cross country. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Ferrara enlisted in the Air Force, where he earned the rank of Captain. He was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany with the 3rd Shoran Beacon Squadron from 1953 to 1955, during the allied occupation of Germany. Upon honorable discharge from the military, he obtained his law degree from the University of Baltimore.

Ferrara was employed by the Department of Defense where he worked as a Mechanical Engineer at the United States Pentagon for 37 years. He was nominated for the Office of the Secretary of Defense Civilian Career Service Award for his distinguished service. Ferrara's former director wrote in a memo for his nomination that “Mr. Ferrara earned the love and respect of all who know and work with him… His unswerving dedication to doing the best job possible is indicative of his exemplary career”.

Outside of his educational achievements and distinguished civil service, Tony, as he was fondly referred to by friends and family, was an avid skier. He developed his passion for the slopes and became a skillful skier while stationed in Germany. He served as the President of The Baltimore Ski Club for several years, organizing many trips for fellow ski lovers in the area.

He was an active member of the men's club at the Church of the Resurrection, and was also an usher. Ferrara loved to make his own wine and was extremely proud of his Italian heritage.

He is survived by his sons Antonio Mario Ferrara of Boynton Beach, Florida, and John Edward Ferrara of Ellicott City, Maryland.

He was preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Rose, his brother, Edward Joseph Ferrara, and former wife, Martha Ferrara.

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