Danny J. Ferrari

Danny Ferrari, 85, passed away September 4, 2018, surrounded by family at Mercy Medical Center is Des Moines, Iowa after battling infectious diseases.

Danny was born on March 19, 1933 in Des Moines to Joe and Amelia Ferrari. Danny met the love of his life, Eleanor Anna Gordon, while working at a woolen mill in Des Moines as a teenager. Danny and Eleanor married in February of 1954 and then immediately moved to Pensacola, FL, where he was stationed while serving in the Navy. Shortly after their daughter Shelley was born, Danny deployed to the Philippines, where he was assigned as a Gunner’s Mate serving on Navy aircraft patrolling the DMZ in Korea. His service in the Navy inspired his grandson (Jake) to follow in his footsteps and go to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Returning from the Korean War, Danny and Eleanor raised a family on the south side of Des Moines. They raised their three children there; Shelley, Danny, and Jason. Danny was a carpenter by trade, building and remodeling many of the homes on the South Side with his father Joe. Danny ultimately held a job as a plant supervisor at Meredith and, what would become, the R.R. Donnelly printing plant where he was well liked and respected. After retirement, he would continue to work part time as a handy man at the Mercy Dental Clinic downtown.

Danny enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s athletic events and being a staple of the South Side. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and like to yell at the T.V. while watching his WWE Wrestling.

Danny was a lifelong and devoted parishioner at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his sons, Danny M., Jason (Linda); brothers, Milo (Leah), Tony (Shirley); sister, Elsie Bianchi (Angelo); grandchildren, Jacob (Laura), Ashley (Stacy), Danny A., Romey, Adam Wilson (Ashley); six great grandchildren; and wonderful nephews and nieces who he thought the world of.

Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Amelia; his sister, Joanne; his daughter, Shelley; and his son, Adam.

WE JUST LOST A GOOD ONE!

Family will welcome visitors at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th, Des Moines, Iowa from 4-7 pm on Friday, September 7, 2018. A Vigil will follow at 7 pm. Funeral will be at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home at 12 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed towards the family in loving memory of Danny.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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