Joseph Ross Ferrante

January 1, 1939 – January 22, 2019

Peacefully, on January 22, 2019, with his family by his side, Joseph Ross Ferrante passed away after a long illness. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph Sr and Violet, brothers Paul and Robert Ferrante and brothers in law Jim Gavel and Bill Player.  He is survived by his wife (Carol) of 54 years, daughter Tammy, son Len (Dorothy), grandson Justin and granddaughters Amber & Kaitlyn, siblings Barb (Terry) White, Joan Player, Marlene Gavel and Rick (Marlene) Ferrante and many nieces and nephews. 

Dad was born on January 1^st, 1939 to Joseph and Violet Ferrante in Emsdale, ON, where he spent the formative years of his life. Dad was one of seven children born to his parents.  He was a middle child and had close relationships with his brothers and sisters that lasted throughout his life.  He was known by his siblings as “Dokey” or “Jo Jo”. 

Dad met Mom in 1959.  A few short years later they married on September 5, 1964. They spent 54 years together.  Dad and Mom spent the first years of married life living in Ajax, where Dad worked as a forklift operator. They moved to Winnipeg in 1968.  It was a short stay, but they returned to Ontario in 1969 and later that year, Tammy was born. 

Mom and Dad were on the move again in 1971.  They moved back to Ajax and in December, their son Len arrived.  In 1972, Dad and Mom headed west again.  With their kids in tow, they started a new adventure on the prairies.   Winnipeg has been home for the last 47 years.  Family and friends in Ontario were never forgotten. Many summers were spent visiting family in Burks Falls, Huntsville and Ajax. Mom and Dad settled in Fort Rouge, where they made many friends over the years.  These friends and neighbours became family to Mom and Dad.  Many celebrations, parties and dinners took place at their home on Morley Avenue and everyone was welcome in their home.  Mom and Dad were proud of raising a family here.  Dad was happy to watch his kids grow up over these years.  He spent many hours watching Len play hockey at the local rink, taking Tammy to bowling and Brownies.  He volunteered his time taking kids in the neighbourhood anywhere they wanted to go. He had a heart of gold.  No favor was too big to ask of him.  Family was the important thing to Dad, and it showed.  He showered us with his love and his famous mac and cheese whenever he could make it for us.

Dad took great pride in knowing that his wife and kids were safe and healthy.  He only wanted the best for us.  Mom and Dad became grandparents in 1994.  Dad’s excitement and enthusiasm about being a grandpa were contagious.  Dad had a special sparkle in his eye when Justin was brought into our family.

Dad had a special relationship with Tammy.  She was his little girl from the day she was born.  He was proud of her accomplishments in life.  From graduating college to running a non-profit organization and being a wonderful aunt.  

Len married the love his life, Dorothy in 1999.  Dad and Len spent lots of time fishing together.  They worked together in the back yard and in Dad’s shop on projects over the years.  The family kept growing and soon we had Amber in 2001 and Kaitlyn followed two years later in 2003.   The grandchildren brought Mom and Dad many moments of joy and happiness over the years.

 Dad loved fishing. Any chance that he had to get out on the lake, he took it.  He was a guy that did favors for people he cared about. He loved his friends and neighbours.   

Dad was always a hard worker.  He went to work with a positive attitude and enjoyed the job he had. He made many friends at Alltrans Express, and Direct Transport until his retirement in 2014. He started woodworking in his retirement.  Mom and Dad spent their time together enjoying their home, grandkids and their dogs, Tobi and Alli.

A special thanks to the staff at 3 South at the Grace Hospital. 

Dad will be missed by his family and friends.  We miss Dad already but know that he is watching over us. 

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 28 at 1:00 p.m., in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Ave at Henderson Hwy. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Blood Services, CancerCare Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.