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In Memory Of
Francis X. Ferris
1927 2019

Francis X. Ferris

November 13, 1927 — November 30, 2019

Spencerport, NY
Saturday, November 30, 2019 .


Frank was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Mary E. (Honey) Ferris, and is survived by his children Timothy Ferris of Cumberland, ME; Elizabeth Ferris of Falls Church, VA; Daniel (Monica) Ferris of East Greenwich, RI; Patrick (Mariluz) Ferris of Amherst, NY; grandchildren Jonathan, Andrew, Rachel, Crispin, Anna-Marie, Emilie, Joseph, John and Michael Ferris; sisters-in-law Mary Ferris and Maryann Ferris of Pittsfield, MA; and several nieces and nephews.


In 1944, Frank attended the University of Notre Dame on a football scholarship. In the middle of his sophomore year, he transferred to St. Bonaventure University on a football scholarship where he was known as "The Toe" for his feats as a placekicker and game-winning punter. He graduated from St. Bonaventure with Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He later earned a Doctorate Degree in Reading and Curriculum from the University of Miami, FL.


After two years of teaching at Letchworth School District in Castile, NY, Frank spent 38 years in the Spencerport Central School System as an English teacher and as the district's first Director of Reading, retiring in 1991. He pioneered a model K-12 reading program that assured each child was able to read grade-appropriate material and helped lay the basis for Spencerport Central School's Effective Schools Project. He also taught education courses at SUNY Geneseo, the University of Rochester, and Nazareth College. Frank was active in the Rochester Area Reading Association, the NYS Reading Association, and the International Reading Association.


In retirement, Frank and Honey volunteered as Eucharistic ministers in the Spiritual Care Division at Park Ridge Unity Hospital, Greece, NY. He was a Renew team leader at St. John the Evangelist Church in Spencerport, NY, and with Honey parishioners at St. Leo the Great Church in Hilton, NY.


Frank was an avid downhill skier and regular with the Spencerport High School Ski Club and the Rochester Ski Club, skiing in Western New York, New England and Ontario, Canada, into his early eighties. In retirement, he took up tennis and found a passion he pursued for over fifteen years. Frank and Honey enjoyed traveling throughout their married life across the U.S. and abroad.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Frank Ferris to St. Leo the Great Church, Hilton, NY or the Franciscan University of Steubenville, 1235 University Blvd., Steubenville, OH 43952.

Friends may call 3-5 pm Sunday December 15, 2019 at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Ave. (west of Long Pond Rd.)

On Monday morning at 11:00 am, friends may meet at St. Leo Church, 167 Lake Ave, Hilton, NY 14468 for Frank's memorial mass of Christian burial.
To sign Frank's guestbook, please click the above link "view guestbook".
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis X. Ferris, please visit our flower store.
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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Sunday, December 15, 2019

3:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)

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New Comer Cremations & Funerals

2636 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, NY 14626

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Monday, December 16, 2019

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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