Obituary of Salvatore Ferraguto

Salvatore “Sam” Ferraguto, a resident of Lexington since 1961, passed away at the Lexington Health Care Center on Sunday morning, April 11, 2010. The beloved husband of 67 years of Laura C. (Barbosa), he was 91 years old. Sam was born in Boston. He was the son of Italian immigrants the late Andrea and Maria Ferraguto. He grew up in the West End of Boston and was a graduate of the Boston High School of Commerce. Sam was a veteran of World War II serving his country in the United States Navy. While in the navy he met his wife Laura and they married on June 27, 1943. They settled in Somerville and moved to Lexington in 1962 where they raised their five sons. Sam had a successful career as an Engineer working most of his career for J. W. Greer Co., which manufactured food production machinery, and also for ServiceMaster. He was the Treasurer of J. W. Greer Credit Union and was also the Treasurer of the Portuguese Continental Credit Union for 25 years. Sam was a talented writer and contributed articles to the West Ender, Reader’s Digest as well as the Boston Globe. Sam enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Mercury Bowling League. He was also an avid gardner. Sam’s family was the most important part of his life. While his sons were growing up he was a Scout Leader and a Webelos Leader. He had a special relationship with his grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papa Sam”. Sam was blessed to live a life that spanned 91 years filled with the love of his family. Sam was the beloved husband of 67 years of Laura C. (Barbosa). He was the loving father of Andrew Ferraguto & his wife Jacqueline of Revere, Joseph Ferraguto & his wife Dolores of TX, Philip Ferraguto & his wife Sharon of Arlington, Paul Ferraguto of Woburn & his late wife Maria, and Thomas Ferraguto & his wife Sonja of Woburn. Brother of James Ferraguto of ND, Dominic Ferraguto of Medford, Joseph Ferraguto of FL, and the late George Ferraguto of Tewksbury. Also survived by 12 grandchildren & 10 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, April 14 at 11:00 A.M., Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Westview Cemetery, Lexington. Memorials in Sam’s name may be made to Boston Boy Choir, 29 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138 & Joslin Diabetes Center, Attn Development Office, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02115. Salvatore SAM Ferragutoa, Mom and dad would be celebrating their 67th anniversary in June. Imagine 67 years together. He adored our mom Laura aka Lorna Doone more than anything in the world. She is a beautiful and loving wife and mother who has always and forever “stood by her man” As the elder statesman of the family he took his role very seriously with the sincerest of intentions. Of his four brothers, Jim, George, Dominic and Joe, his brother Dom was his closest friend and confidant. Every man should have a brother Dom. Dad was a master of the written word with a rapier wit. He wrote many anecdotes and stories, which were published many times. Of this, he was most proud. You’d think he had won a Pulitzer Prize. Really, how many people are published? Whether you knew him as Uncle Sam, Papa Sam, Dad, or just plain Sam, he was indeed a most unforgettable character. TRADITION: Christmas Eve was celebrated with a big family gathering. Everyone would join in at Nonie’s house. Nonie and Nonu, all of their sons, wives, grandchildren plus any friends and guests were all welcome with open arms. These were wonderful times when all uncles, aunts and cousins exchanging gifts and the night was spent fiesting on the best Italian food imaginable. As part of the Christmas Eve ritual, someone would don a Santa suit and give all of the children gifts. Paul was five years old and still a Santa believer. Dad made a very convincing Santa with a long white beard, and red suit stuffed in all the right places. A voice that disguised with ease. As he pulled Paul on his lap to hand him his gift Paul noticed that Santa had only half a thumb. Instantly his whole Santa wonderment was shattered by Dad’s unmistakable right thumb. Paul was inconsolable for the rest of the Christmas season and Dad learned that a good disguise should always include gloves. BBQ’s in the back yard in Lexington were family reunions where mom and dad invited the immediate world. They were great times with food, games and music. Our lives will always be full of the memories we shall forever treasure. CRIBBAGE: Dad was the master and from him all cribbage talent is derived. He loved the game and was ready for any and all challengers any time, any place. SUNDAY DINNERS: Sunday’s, mom would prepare dinner as if all of their five sons and family were expected. There was no invitation necessary, all you had to do was show up and a place was ready for you. Dad loved having his family with him as he sat at the head of the table and started the Sunday fiest with grace. SAVINGS BONDS: Dad never forgot anyone at Christmas and always gave savings bonds. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were all beneficiaries of his thoughtfulness and generosity. He was very pleased to know that the grandchildren purchased many college textbooks with these gifts. As the elder son I am privileged to speak on behalf of my brothers, to give homage to our dad and cherish his legacy Dad wasn’t a vain man yet he loved our name and loved the family that made him proud of it every single day. Our father only lived his life one way. He helped his family and friends whenever he could and was as honest and straight with everyone he met. There was never a hidden agenda with our father. He was father to all five of us and a surrogate father to many others. He put the needs of others before his own and deeply cared about the welfare of everyone. Dad had an incredible sense of humor right to the very end. Here he was lying in bed knowing full well that his death was imminent. It was early Sunday morning and Jackie was there, alone with Dad and his nurse. He was startled awake by the nurse and as he opened his eyes and with a twinkle said “I was supposed to be dead yesterday” scaring the nurse. Later in the day my brothers gathered to have a photo taken of dad and his five sons. Photos were taken and then, always mindful of his appearance, dad removed the oxygen tube and asked to have another shot taken. God blessed our dad with an extraordinarily long life and marriage…. The world needs more men like our dad… he will be missed.