Roger Loftus   Ferris

Decorated Veteran Of WWII

Roger Loftus Ferris, 86, died at his home in Redding on Friday, January 19, of natural causes.  He was born on February 15, 1920, in Danbury, the son of Earl and Regina Coyne Ferris.

Mr Ferris is survived by his wife, Joyce Steck Ferris; his children, Charles Ferris and his wife, Patricia, of Newtown, Roger Ferris and Linda Nash of Newtown, and Darlene Ferris of Redding; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Jeanne Durkin of Danbury and Gloria Adrian of Scarsdale, N.Y. He was predeceased by his brother, Earl Ferris, and sister, Maureen Martinez.

Mr Ferris attended St Peter’s Catholic School and played violin in the school’s orchestra along with his sister, Jeanne, who played the piano. He enlisted in the Army-Air Force and studied engineering at Embry-Riddle School of Aviation. During World War II he was an engineer on B-24 bombers stationed in the Philippines. He was severely injured in a plane crash and was awarded the Purple Heart medal, among other commendations, before being honorably discharged. For more than 30 years he owned and operated Federal Auto Sales in Danbury.

A memorial Mass was celebrated at St Patrick’s Church, Redding, on January 23. Burial was private.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Danbury Regional Hospice, 405 Main Street, Danbury CT 06810, or to a charity of one’s choice.

The Newtown Bee        January 26, 2007