Joe Ferraro

Joe Ferraro Jr. of Walla Walla, passed
away July 17, 2016, at Providence St.
Mary Medical Center at the age of 84.
Joe was born Aug. 18, 1931, in Walla Walla, the son
of Giuseppi and Sofia Ferraro. After attending St.
Patrick’s school, he went to work farming with his
brother Mickey.
In 1951, he met Betty Chappell, and in 1953 they
were married. Also in 1953, he went to work for the
Walla Walla Valley/Burlington Northern Railroad.
During the early years of working with his father
on the railroad, he still farmed. Joe also worked for
the College Place School District, mowing fields. He
retired from the railroad in 1993 after 40 years. After
retirement, he stayed very busy selling onions on
Wallula Road, waving to everyone who went by. Joe
was a man of many passions, but above all was his
love of family. He was married to Betty for 63 years,
and they raised four children. He enjoyed family activities,
especially the holidays. He was the heart of
the family, always preparing meals and serving with
a smile. He was a true supporter of his children’s and
grandchildren’s’ sporting events, always there on the
sidelines. Joe also enjoyed the annual Italian Festival
in Reno. He made this trip yearly to eat, cook, dance
and enjoy the Italian culture with his family. Another
of Joe’s interest was baseball. He was an avid Mariners
fan, watching every game, win or lose.
Joe is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Jerry and his
wife, Chris; daughter, Debbie; son, Steve and his wife,
Laurie; and son, Mark and his wife, Sasha; his sister,
Theresa Triebwasser; 14 grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren. His parents and brothers, Dominic
(Mickey) and Mario, are deceased.
The rosary for Joe will be at 6 p.m. Monday, July 25,
at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Mass will be
at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, at St. Francis Church,
burial following at Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to DeSales
Booster Club or Walla Walla Community Hospice,
through Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W.
Alder, Walla Walla.