Robert A. Ferrari

Herrin- ROBERT A. FERRARI, age 77, of Herrin, passed away at 7:35am on Wednesday, January 31, 2007. Robert was born in Royalton on November 16, 1929, the son of Domenico and Mary (Colo) Ferrari. He married Shirley R. Gulley on September 19, 1977 in Las Vegas, NV. She preceded him in death on December 21, 2001. Robert received a Bachelor of Science Degree and Masters Degree in Mathematics from Southern Illinois University. He was a teacher and a coach at Johnston City High School and Herrin High School. Bob started Herrin Sheet Metal in the early 1950s. He then purchased WJPF Radio in 1966, sold the radio station but returned to radio in 1988. Mr. Ferrari developed Cambridge Manor Apartments and the Melody Acres Subdivision in Herrin. Bob was an avid runner, competing in multiple marathons, most importantly in the St Louis and Boston Marathons and multiple River To River Relays. He was one of the founding members of the River to River Running Association. Mr. Ferrari organized the fundraising and promotion of the Coal Miners Memorial in Herrin. He was the co-owner of the Lombard Caf in Herrin. Bob was the President of Herrinfesta Italiana for the previous ten years and assisted in the development of the bocce courts and pavilions. He served as Past President of the Herrin Chamber of Commerce and was President of the Bob Brewer Foundation Board. Mr. Ferrari served on the Board of Directors for Redco, representing Herrin. He was a member of the Herrin Rotary Club and the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Mr. Ferrari was a visionary who helped Herrin as well as Southern Illinois. Survivors include: Daughter- Gayle Wolff, and her son and daughter-in-law- Brian and Jenny Wolff and their two sons- Jaxon and Dylan Wolff, all of Herrin. Son- Keith Ferrari of Naples, FL, and his son and daughter-in-law- Chad and Brandi Ferrari and their son Denon Ferrari and their daughter, Nichole and husband Chris Hamm, all of Nashville, TN. Keiths wife, Kim and children Domenico, Christianna, and Cherestina. Daughter- Carol Ann Ferrari of Herrin. Daughter- Patricia Ferrari of Sao Paulo, Brazil and her husband Andrew Janszky and their children Christopher, Ebie, and Lucas. Daughter- Brenda Brewster and her husband John of Herrin and their sons- Travis & Patrick. Son- Brett Ferrari of St. Louis, MO and his life partner, Richard Smith. Daughter- Christy Ferrari Silverman and her husband, Ron, of St. Louis, MO. Fiance- Martha Marti Roberts of Lake of Egypt. Sister- Angelina Akulow of Naperville, IL One niece- Mary and one nephew- Mike Mr. Ferrari was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley R. Ferrari; his parents- Domenico and Mary Ferrari; his brother-in-law- Michael Akulow; and a son-in-law- John Wolff. Funeral services for Mr. Ferrari will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin, with Rev. Todd Hawk, Monsignor Ken Schaefer, and Rev. Sam Goldman officiating. A prayer will be led by Mr. Ed Goodwin and special words spoken by Mr. Art Lenzini. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Visitation will be held from 5-9pm on Friday, February 2, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations may be made to the Herrin Educational Foundation, Unity Christian School, or the Agape Regional Christian High School. Envelopes will be available and memorial donations accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com