Mario “Mike” Ferrucci, Jr.

Mario “Mike” Ferrucci, Jr. left us to join his Heavenly family on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Shirley (Shabo) Ferrucci. He was born in Providence, the son of the late Mario and Anna (Calore) Ferrucci. His mother died when he was 15 and he joined the army at 17. He served in the Army of the Occupation in Germany. He returned to the United States in 1952 and became a member of the 52 20 club. On April 16, 1953, he met the love of his life, Shirley Shabo. From the moment they met they were inseparable; best friends, lovers and soulmates. He often said that with all the people in the world we were so very fortunate to have met each other. They were married for 62 years. During their marriage, Mike worked at various endeavors to support his family. He sold bibles, chemicals, was a restaurant manager and his final position was a manager at Providence Gas Company.

After retiring in 1991, they could finally indulge in their love of travel; cruising, flying or otherwise. Even driving cross country in 2006 at the age of 73. They had quite a ride, never sitting around and always on the road. He was happiest driving. Every winter he drove to Florida and back to visit his son and his family.

His greatest passion was his family. He was so proud of each and every one of them, from his oldest child to the youngest great grandchild. They were all special to Mike. Family get togethers (of which there were many) were his happiest times. He often wondered why God blessed him with such a fantastic loving family.

Mike managed East Providence Little League, East Providence Youth Hockey and helped his wife with Cub Scouts. He also was one of the first statisticians of the Providence Reds.

He loved all sports. Fishing and boating were two of his favorites and he was a member of Cove Haven Yacht Club for over 30 years.

Besides his wife of 62 years, he is survived by his daughters, Anna Marie Znosko and her husband Ed, Rose Mary Grant and her husband Jack, Gina Louise Insana and her husband Jimmy and his son, Mario Ferrucci III and his wife Kay. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren; Sara Gentzler and her husband RD, Angela Goulart and her husband Jeff, Katy Sicignano, Marisha Znosko, Samuel Insana, Luke Znosko, Mario Ferrucci IV, Olivia Ferrucci and Andrea DeGeorge and six great grandchildren; Tyler DeGeorge, Dominic Sicignano, Emily DeGeorge, Carmine Sicignano, Maxwell Gentzler and Theodore Gentzler.

He is also survived by his brothers, Robert Ferrucci and his wife Jean and Pat Izzo and his wife Flora and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the father of the late Lori Jean Ferrucci and brother of the late Anthony Ferrucci.

His funeral will be held on Saturday at 9:30 AM from the Perry-McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. Brendan’s Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside. Burial with Military Honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours Friday 4-8. In lieu of flowers contributions to Hope Hospice or the Veterans Administration Hospital would be appreciated.