Angelo M. “Shine” Ferla, 86, lifelong resident of Ansonia, entered into eternal rest early Wednesday morning, July 8, 2015, in the comfort of his home, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved and devoted husband of 62 years to Josephine Guagenti Ferla.
Mr. Ferla was born in Ansonia on January 8, 1929, son of the late Joseph and Lena Spada Ferla. Angelo was raised at Ferla Brothers Farm in Ansonia, now known as the Ansonia Nature Center. He often reminisced about the beauty with nature while working hard as a child. As a young man, he caddied and earned the nickname “Spud”.
In 1946, upon his graduation from Pine High School, he joined the Navy with his father’s permission at age 17. He was assigned and proudly served on the U.S.S. Little Rock Cruiser and was honorably discharged in 1948 with the rank of Seaman First Class.
He married the love of his life Josephine in 1953 and with the help of his dad built his home where still resided. The move was from the former Powe Street in Ansonia where he often spoke of the tight knit community with strong family values during tough times. Angelo was employed by Park City Builders and Francini Construction where he was a well-known stone mason. Angelo was a huge fan of the Ansonia Football Chargers. He enjoyed league bowling at Valley Bowl and played horseshoes in the Valley Horseshoe League. He was a communicant of Holy Rosary Church where he served as an usher and a member of the Catholic Men’s Club. He loved his travels to Italy, once while in the service and twice with his wife. He took great pride in his vegetable garden and enjoyed the daily morning gathering with his friends at Dutchess Restaurant. Angelo’s dominating presence and soft heart will truly be missed by the Ansonia Community.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Michele Ferla-Fleet and her husband Robert Fleet of S. Windsor and Diane Clifford and her husband Kevin of Seymour, cherished grandchildren, Thomas Angelo Clifford (Ashley) of Woodstock, IL, Matthew Clifford of Ansonia, Kara Fleet of Charlotte, NC and Kelsy VonKaenel (John) of Granby, great-grandchildren, James VonKaenel and Teagan Clifford and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Michael Ferla and sisters, Sebastiana “Aggie” Matejek and Josephine Parsons. Angelo’s first and foremost concern was his family.
Visiting hours will take place on Saturday morning July 11, 2015, from 9:00 am until 11:15 am in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. At 11:30 am, his funeral will process to St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Tpke in Monroe for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with U.S. Navy military honors will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or through the funeral home.
The family sends a heart-felt thank you to Dr. Chaisson and the staff at Griffin Hospital, CT Hospice and all his family and friends for their support during his illness.
To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
