Edward Ferencik, 96, of Endicott, NY, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, September 27, surrounded by his loving family.
Ed was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Mary (Soucy) Ferencik; his parents, Frantisek and Sidonia Ferencik; and brothers and sisters - Louis, Richard, Paul, Joseph, Frank, Emil, John, Timothy, Ethel Rossi and Pauline Melvin.
He is survived by his eight children; Frank Ferencik, John (Julia) Ferencik, Edward, Jr. (Laurie) Ferencik, Mary (Gene) Perry, Susan (Curtis) Parvin, Patti (Tony) Maione, Timothy Ferencik, Theresa (Doug) Pelton; sixteen grandchildren, Laura (Derek) Cordilione, Dan (Bridget) Ferencik, David (Samantha) Ferencik, Emily (Gerald) Pierce, Brittany Ferencik, Ed Jr. (Reana) Ferencik, Robert Ferencik, Thomas Ferencik, Anthony (Katie) Maione, Nicholas Maione, Vince Maione, Christopher (Courtney) Perry, Elizabeth (Vinny) Pardi, Courtney (David) Youst, Jacob (Leah) Parvin, Chelsey (Dennis) Moore, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren.
Born April 15, 1929, Ed was immensely proud to have been the first baby to be baptized at St. Joseph’s Church in Endicott, where he was an altar server and remained a faithful member throughout his long life. After growing up in Endicott and serving in the Marines, he attended Champlain College, where he played football and starred on offense, defense, and special teams – never coming off the field during games. He was also on the college boxing team and once beat the New England Golden Gloves champ. But most importantly, Champlain is where he met the love of his life – Mary.
Married in 1953, they began a life together, raising their family in their Catholic faith. Ed, like Mary, was devoted to his children and endlessly taught them by example to live in their faith. His love extended equally to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his constant presence and legacy will live on through them and for generations.
While raising his family, he had a long career as a teacher in the Maine-Endwell School District and painted houses in the summers. After retiring from teaching, he became a maintenance man for the Bank of New York. He was also a Catholic faith formation teacher, a peer counselor, a prison minister, a literacy volunteer, and a worker at the St. Ambrose kitchen. Before meals, he would offer his signature blessing, "May God's blessings of His love and grace be upon you and may He remain forever in your heart."
Ed was the ultimate role model of a man of faith. He would sometimes return home without socks or a shirt because he had given his to a homeless person, and he often had to rush to his teaching job because he had spent too much time shoveling sidewalks in the early morning hours for his elderly neighbors on Robble Ave. A member of the Third Order Franciscans, he indeed preached the gospel at all times, and when necessary, he used (beautiful) words. He would often say, “To do Your will, oh God, is my delight,” while he joyfully served others.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Perry and also the wonderful caregivers at United Methodist Hilltop and Mercy House for their support and comfort.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 3rd, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 207 Hayes Avenue, Endicott. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at St. Joseph's Church, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider extending a hand to the homeless as Ed often did, or donations to the Food Pantry, 202 Garfield Ave., Endicott, NY, or to Mercy House, 212 N. McKinley Ave., Endicott, NY 13760.