Ronald George Ferrigno
October 8, 1949 ~ July 31, 2024
Born in:
Brooklyn, New York
Resided in:
Brevard, North Carolina
Ronald George Ferrigno, 74, of Brevard, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family Wednesday, July 31, 2024 in his residence.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the husband of Susanne (Privitera) Ferrigno of Brevard, and the son of the late George and Carolyn (Piccione) Ferrigno.
Ron graduated from St. Johns University with a BS in Biology and from Long Island University with a Master of Science degree in Medical Biology. He started his career as a medical Microbiologist in 1971 at Brunswick Hospital in Amityville New York. In 1979, he became the head of the Microbiology department at ST. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. He contributed to bringing advanced microbiology techniques to western North Carolina during his time at St. Joseph’s hospital. He later went on to become an adjunct professor at both Western Carolina University and AB-Tech Community College sharing his passion for Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology with his students. He was also on the faculty for continuing education programs with MAHEC. Of all his roles, he was most proud to be an amazing husband, father, and grandfather.
He was a member of St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville, and was the owner of Video Conversions and Microbiology Consulting Services.
In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is survived by two daughters: Carla Ferrigno (Jeremiah) of Hendersonville and Nicole Williams (Patrick Jr) of Pisgah Forest; two grandchildren: Natalie and Patrick Williams III; two brothers: Steve Ferrigno (Margaret) of Cincinnati, OH and Paul Ferrigno (Dawn) of Smithtown, NY; and one sister, Elyse Muscato (Edward) of Deltona, FL.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, August 9 at 2pm at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church with Deacon Michael Zboyovski officiating. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service. The service will be live streamed at St. Eugene’s website: St. Eugene Catholic Church (steugene.org)
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network online.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
For those who wish to pay their respects: August 9, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Room: Sanctuary
St. Eugene's Catholic Church
72 Culvern Street
Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 254-5193
http://www.steugene.org
Celebration of Life: August 9, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Room: Sanctuary
St. Eugene's Catholic Church
72 Culvern Street
Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 254-5193
http://www.steugene.org
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Ronald George Ferrigno 's name.
Four Seasons Compassion For Life
571 S. Allen Road
Flat Rock,
NC 28731
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
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With our deepest sympathies
The Lombardo family ( Carmen, Patrice, Lisa and Michele)
“ now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and, flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest”- Shakespeare
Ron was a kind man who made me laugh. He was a great professional in his work! May God hold his family in this time of great loss!
To say I’m deeply saddened would be a true understatement & the most incredible words regarding Uncle Ronnie’s charismatic, comedic, genuine loving personality just wouldn’t do him justice.
My heart is broken for the family. He will be sorely missed. I won’t ever forget the vacations he, Sue, Carla & Nicole would go on to see us in Cincinnati. The trips to Kings Island, Surf Cincinnati.. the home videos of us wrestling in the basement, karaoking, opening Christmas gifts, goofing around…
The memories out on Long Island getting Italian ices, going to the beach, sitting in Grandma Carol & Grandpa Georges house- the very house he grew up in- eating bagels and talking about everything and anything.
Our emails- the back and forth. Even though we didn’t see each other often, I could always count on the RFerrigno@aol email to pop up. Amazing he still had AOL after all these years! To know I’ll never see that in my inbox again hurts. But I’ll cherish the ones I have saved. And I’ll always read them over and over.
I am relieved however. Relieved you’re no longer in pain. Relieved you’ve been reunited with your mother & father, aunts & uncles, pets.
You fought, and your fought hard. Honestly one of the toughest, strongest fights I’ve ever seen against pancreatic cancer. Quite honestly, you kicked its ass. 10 months, when most don’t make it a few weeks. You made it 10 months! You had the heart of a million Spartans. You would’ve made King Leonidas and his 300 soldiers proud!
Until we meet again my beloved unlce.
Strength & Honor.
Love your nephew Nick The Nitemare 💜
Jan and I, as well as Grant, share our condolences upon the passing of your father and husband. We recall Ron from Asheville Catholic days and AHS years as a good and fine man. I also recall his years of fine teaching at A-B Tech. He touched many students who went on to successful medical careers.
Peace to a good man and to his family.
Sincere sympathy to Sue and the family. Ron was a good friend from “the old gang” at St. Joseph’s. May he rest in peace.
On behalf of the St. Eugene Church Bereavement Ministry, I would like to express my condolences for the loss of your loved one. Know that our Ministry will be praying for your family during this time of sadness. Please be in touch with us if there is anything we can do to help your family.
Blessings,
Ginny Raviotta
St, Eugene Church Bereavement Ministry
Dear family, So sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. Really enjoyed his kindness and humor while working with him at St. Joseph’s. Such a nice guy. You are in my prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Ron was such a great man and students loved him so much. He changed many lives of students as he taught A&P and Microbiology at A-B Tech Madison. Students would drive from Asheville to take his classes at the Madison Site. I know he will be missed by you and many family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sherri Davis and Mike Collins
Sue, I was so sorry to see that Ron has passed. It has been such a long time since you and Ron moved your family here. I recall so many good memories from those early PML days. You and your girls are in my prayers during this time.
Condolences to the family. I worked with Ron at St. Joseph lab. Was new to Pathology and Ron was always tolerant of my never ending questions Prayers for comfort and peace for the family.
Ron – Intelligent, kind, lifelong learner, faithful friend, master teacher – a blessing to so many of us. I was privileged to work with Ron at A-B Tech, Madison and witnessed his lifelong impact on everyone with whom he came in contact. He made difficult subjects “come alive” with examples from his work. He brought current medical issues into the classroom; and his teaching did not end at the close of class. He was available to his students willingly helping them understand and apply difficult concepts. He cared deeply for them professionally and personally. He truly lived and loved well. Sue and family – my prayers with you as you go forward
Ron – Intelligent, kind, lifelong learner, faithful friend, master teacher – a blessing to so many of us. I was privileged to work with Ron at A-B Tech, Madison and witnessed his lifelong impact on everyone with whom he came in contact. He made difficult subjects “come alive” with examples from his work. He brought current medical issues into the classroom; and his teaching did not end at the close of class. He was available to his students willingly helping them understand and apply difficult concepts. He cared deeply for them professionally and personally. He lived and loved well. Sue and family – my prayers with you as you go forward