Lawrence Ferin
January 30, 2009
Lawrence E. Ferin of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2009; he was 67 years old.
Larry is the beloved son of Albert and Mary (Macri) Ferin and brother to Michael. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy, with whom he shared the many joys of raising their children; son, Jeff (Julie) of Arizona; daughter, Anne Livingston (Chuck) of Nebraska; and son, John (Libby) of Michigan, and his father, Albert Ferin. Larry is an abundantly proud grandfather to Avery, Grace, Jack, Bryce, Ben, Allie, and Cooper – all of whom adore him immensely and will miss his gentle heart.
A proud south-sider, Larry grew up on Wolcott Avenue surrounded by his extended family; uncles, Ernie, Ettore, Louis Ferin; aunts, Tina Atkison (Ferin), Lucia Anania (Gasper) and Margurite Leonetti (Raymond), and their families. It was also in this tight-knit neighborhood where Larry met many of his life-long friends while reverently attending St. Anthony’s School. He later graduated from Dowling High School and went on to graduate with honors from Drake University in 1963 with a degree in Mathematics. Larry worked at Iowa State University, Look Magazine, and devoted more than 30 years to Communications Data Services (CDS), a subsidiary of Hearst Publishing. As Vice President of Software Development, he grew his fledgling department into a global leader before his retirement in 2006.
Larry was an avid golfer and was always sure to get his money’s worth while duffing around local courses with friends. He loved to watch all kinds of sports and took great pleasure in talking the finer points of any game with whoever would bend an ear. Larry was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church.
Those close to Larry know that many of his last years were met with physical challenges, limitations and sometimes pain. Yet, not once did Larry complain or seek pity for his disability. Rather, he was always the first to worry about others who were “less fortunate” than he. Larry’s passion for humanity, sense of humor and unwavering devotion to his family will be deeply missed.
Visitation and prayer service for Larry Ferin will be held 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2009 with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny, 501 East 1st Street. A Mass of Christian Burial for Larry will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2009 also at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice in Johnston or The Multiple Sclerosis National Society- Iowa Chapter, 1300 50th St. Ste 106, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.
Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens is handling arrangements.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bob Boyd
02/04/2009
Judy,
To you and your family I offer my sincere condolences. The person that Larry was and the life he shared with you all only makes the loss that much more tragic and difficult to bear. For myself, I owe more to him than I could ever put into words nor ever hope to repay. May the comfort of his memory strengthen you all in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Bob Boyd
Prescott, Az.
Linda LaPour
02/01/2009
My heartfelt sympathy to Judy and family. I havent talked with the family for awhile but always remember his kindness,compassion and that twinkle in his eye.
My prayers to all of you.
Love Linda
Janean Lasswell
01/30/2009
Dear Judy and family,
Our families met over thirty years ago when we became neighbors on Grant Street. We didn't live there long, but long enough to know that Judy could always make me laugh, and Larry was a truly Nice, Gentle man. So soft spoken but with a sly smile that let you know he had a great sense of humor. When I first learned of Larry's illness years ago, my first thought was "how could God let this happen to such a truly "good person"? Maybe we're supposed to learn from a truly "good person" how to deal with what life brings without losing who we are. It is humbling to know that Larry didn't feel sorry for himself and continued to live with dignity. I know that Larry was very proud of all of you, as I know you were of him. Larry's passing is a great loss to all who knew him and I pray your memories will bring you inner peace in the days ahead. Be gentle with yourselves and know that many are praying for your strength and comfort. With sincere condolences, Janean and Lary Lasswell