Obituary of Al Ferreira

Al F. Ferreira, Assistant Superintendent of the DPW in Burlington, passed away on Thursday morning, Nov. 17, 2011. The beloved husband of Elizabeth “Betsy” (Cooper) Hahn-Ferreria, he was 53 years old. Al was born in Cambridge. His family settled in Burlington when he was 6 years old. He was a graduate of Burlington High School Class of 1976, where he played hockey. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Persian Gulf War serving his country in the United States Navy from 1978 - 1982. Al was very proud of his service to his country and became an active member of the American Legion and an Officer at the VFW in Burlington. Al was employed by the Town of Burlington as the Assistant Superintendant of the Burlington Department of Public Works. He started at an entry level position and worked all the various position within the DPW until he was named Assistant Superintendant It was a job that Al very much enjoyed and took pride in. Because of his past experience, Al had a great ability to be a very good manager and still have the ability to maintain his many friendships within the Department. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to a fellow employee and took pleasure in serving the residents of Burlington. Al was simply a “Nice Guy” who had a “Heart of Gold.” He was a pleasure to share his company, conversation, and camaraderie. He appreciated his acquaintances and treasured his friendship. He enjoyed sharing his love of football, baseball, and hockey with his many friends. Al was an active member of the American Legion and the VFW, where held office. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Woburn. He was devoted to his wife Betsy. They spent the last 15 years together. He embraced his stepchildren as his own and a wonderful “Gumpy” to his three grandchildren. He was a loving and caring son, who was always there for his mother and family. Al lived his life well and will be always remembered by those he touched. Al was the beloved husband of Elizabeth “Betsy” (Cooper) Hahn-Ferreira. He was the devoted son of Frances (Rose) of Burlington and the late Robert. He was the brother of the late Robert W. Jr. He was the stepfather of Stephanie, Kevin and Ryan Hahn all of Burlington and grandfather of Gemma Rose, Julia and Brooklyn. He was the Godson of Alice Rose of Woburn and John Aiken of Billerica and brother-in-law of Susan Clark and Will Cooper. Al was also survived by many cousins and friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 3-7 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Al’s name may be made to the Al Ferreira Scholarship Fund, C/O Century Bank, 134 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA 01803. The Highway Man By Terri Tarpey My life has not just ended but kind of just begun God held me as I struggled and showed me he’s the one The road to him a long one - I plowed it all for you My life it was a strong one - I lived as I saw fit An honest and a proud one is the man I truly was Prefect I was not! God saved that gift for others. He blessed me with the grace of good friends - “like brothers” I was as loud as I was caring My emotions ran real deep My exterior as hard as anyone could see, But My compassion for all others is what encompassed me My family was my comfort - I truly deeply loved My wife who was my best friend and my only real true love My country I did honor with my best bud by my side We served our time with honor Our jobs we did with pride When the Navy was all done with me - my time with them was through The Town I loved awaited me - my job with them ensued I worked hard for the town which I lived and loved At a blue collar job I was proud of A job that not all wanted I took this all in stride My loyalty encouraged me, my conscious was my guide I did my job with honor, serenity, and, pride This town it was my playground – All boundaries in my care So this is what I leave to you - The Town I hold so dear Now do with what you can for it and when you drive on through Remember, I ‘m the one “who plowed the road for you”… Love ya Al Al Ferrieria, By Paul Litchfield A son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a veteran, a townie, and a friend. Albie lived his life to the fullest and touched so many people during his time here with us, as evident by so many people who gone through here tonight. As a son he was loving and caring to his mother. Mrs. Ferreira you did a fine job with him and we thank you for giving us Albie. As a husband although he was only a husband for a few short weeks, his wife, lover and friend enjoyed each other for 15 years. He and Betsy did everything together. You never saw one without the other unless besty was away with the girls or something and you could always tell when Betsy was away because Albie seemed lost. They loved to vacation and they were a lot fun to vacation with. They loved Foxwoods, sports, lobster and taking care of the grandkids. Once In awhile Betsy would annoy albie and even if you couldn’t hear what he was saying to Betsy you could tell Albie was annoyed because he would always through up his arms like he was giving up. Truth behold he never gave up on Betsy and Betsy never gave up on him. That’s how much they loved each other. As a father he always offered help and guidance and to his step children, Stephanie, Kevin and Ryan. He may have slipped them a little cash once in a while off the big wad he used to carry around. As grandfather, Gemma Rosa, Julia, and Brooklyne.I think they will suffer the biggest loss because they only got to know him for a very short time. They may not remember his character, generosity, selflessness and his passion for life. Let’s not let them forget. As a veteran, he served this country with distinction and continued to serve as a member of the VFW and American legion. If anything needed to get done at the V you always went to albe. He took charge and coordinated too many events to list here today with the exception of one. Just try to get into the VFW Christmas party if you didn’t pay your dues. He sat at the corner chair on a mission of collection that any collection agency would be proud of. I don’t care if you were his best friend or the pope, you didn’t enter unless you paid. He went out of his way to continue to serve and never said no.Thank you albe for your service. As a townie he dedicated 28 years of service. Albe climbed through the rungs of his career to the highest level. He was fair, tough, and honest and always gave 100% to his town. As a friend he was the best. If you were his friend in need he never said no. I would like to share a story as a testament to his character. An old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said “My son, the battle is between 2 wolves”. One is Evil It is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, hate, superiority, and ego. The other is Good It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The grandson thought about this for a minute and asked his grandfather “which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.” Albe always feed the good wolf. That’s why he had so many friends and that’s why we all loved him. I know Albes in heaven and that god has a special place for him. And I know I’ll see him again. When I arrive at the pearly gates Albe will be sitting right there. He’s going to look me in the eye and say “Litchfield did you pay your dues on earth”. I hope I can say I did. I spoke to a lot of people and heard a lot of stories way too many to incorporate here today. Each of us has special moments we want to recount about our times with albe. So please as we celebrate Al’s life I encourage you to share those with one another to honor A son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a veteran, a townie and a friend. God bless you all and God bless our friend. ALBE. Words by Best Friend Tom Harrington < Thank you all for coming today to pay tribute to our friend Al. It’s not surprising to see this amazing turn out here today to honor his life, he was such a good friend to all of us. I can recall many stories of my friendship with Al over the years. While, I couldn’t choose just one story to share. I realized it’s not so much the details of the story, but rather, what always comes to mind. And that is &quote;we always had a good time, no matter what we did&quote;.. I’ve known Al since high school. I think back to the memories when we built hot rods together, spending all night at the garage working on our cars, hanging out at Revere Beach on Friday nights, joining the Navy together. After the Navy, working for my father and brother at Harrington’s Auto and attending East Coast Aero Tech. More recently, “having a beer” on Wednesday nights at the V with Donny and Al, and now working for Al for the past 7 years at the DPW. . Al never expected anything more from anyone that he didn’t expect from himself. That’s what made him a great boss. We’ve always had the utmost respect for Al as our boss. But to us he was not just our boss, he was our friend telling us what to do. &quote;Sometimes very loudly!&quote; . When I think of Al, I truly think of a “nice guy” with a “heart of gold” . He loved life, his family and his friends. Al was a genuine, kind hearted person, he did so many things for so many people. You could always count on him, no matter what you needed he was there to help . Devoted to the many people who touched his life, especially his wife Betsy, mother Franny, his stepchildren and grandchildren. . I will always remember all the great times and laughs we had together. . I am very honored to call Al my friend and I will miss him terribly. He was a great friend. “My best friend.” May he rest in peace.