Antonio Giovanni Ferretti
February 28, 1920 - May 2, 2008

"July 14, 2008 Dear Elda, I just today learned of Tony's passing on the internet. Please accept my condolences on your loss. I hope you are well. Please extend my sincere condolences to Russell, Stephen, and Marybeth. God Bless. Your loving nephew, always, Mike Gregory 1429 Wilmington Avenue, Apt. 210 Dayton, OH 45420"

"Dear Steve and Pam, and Each of the Ferretti Children, My heart goes out to you all at this really hard time. Steve, the kindness that MaryBeth spoke about in your Dad, was shared with so many~~even the little Girl Scout Amanda, selling those cookies in Slate Hill Farm, many years ago. He, like you Steve, was always real... Though we can all rejoice that there's no more pain for your Dad now, remember to take time out to let your own pain heal. Between those times of sadness, savor the wonderfulness of his life and hold on to all he gave of himself, and always remember to love one another. We love you so much, Mikki & Abiah~~Amanda & Logan"

"On behalf of my father's family, I would like to thank all of you who have comforted us with your kind words and your presence at his services. It is a very difficult time for us, and it means so much to have the support of our wonderful family and friends. I wanted to share the eulogy from my father's funeral, in case you had not been able to attend. God bless you. ***************************************************************************************** For the past few days, I have been thinking about my father â?? not about the man who had been robbed of his mind and vitality by a cruel disease, but of his true character and heart â?? a heart that was rich and full of goodness and generosity. He was a simple, yet profound man. He loved his wife and children and worked hard to provide for us and give us a wonderful home. We were raised at Glen Farm in Portsmouth which I have since come to think of as Shangri-la, and then built us a beautiful home at Slate Hill Farm with every ounce of his strength and love. My father loved to work, and he did that work with excellence. Those on the receiving end soon found that they would get more and better than what was required. He gave his all to every endeavor that he undertook, whether it was sheet metal work, gardening, or entertaining friends. He could always be heard whistling or humming as he worked on his projects. He enjoyed the task as well as the goal, and did it all with an unhurried, even pace â?? a quality that I came to envy in him. Looking back, I am astounded at how much he accomplished, and without a shred of stress or a word of complaint. He had a wonderful balance to his life, knowing when to work, when to rest, and when to play. Many of you who greeted us yesterday spoke of his humor and love of music, and the ever-present twinkle in his eye. He also loved nature and seemed to move with its rhythm. When I was small, he would teach me of its ways, both tender and harsh. One of his greatest loves was planting a seed and watching it grow, yet he was comfortable with the cycle of life, and graciously accepted death as an inevitable part of life. Often, when I would be upset by the death of an animal, he would gently say, â??Itâ??s just nature, Marybethâ?¦ itâ??s just nature.â?A My father was brimming with honesty and integrity, and a deep, sometimes unexpected wisdom. I remember once, when I expressed to him my fear of death, he said, â??Well, Marybeth, itâ??s like thisâ?¦ when you wake up in the morning, youâ??re full of energy and youâ??re looking forward to the day; but at night, youâ??re tired and you want to go to sleep. Well, itâ??s like that with life. When youâ??re young, youâ??re full of vitality and youâ??re looking forward to your life; but when you get old, youâ??re tired and youâ??re ready to go to sleep.â?A His wise words comforted and alleviated the fears of a young girl at that time. Dad, you have lived a wonderful, full life and were loved by all who had the privilege of knowing you. Sleep well nowâ?¦ your work is finished, and the day is done."

"To the Ferretti family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of Mr. Ferretti...how he had to pour the wine, how he loved to play the guitar, how he loved his home grown tomatoes, whether grown outdoors or in his greenhouse. Then there was the color of MB's room! He was a good father and husband. I hope your memories of him will always bring a smile to your face."

"To: Aunt Elda and family,you are in our thoughts, and prayers.So sorry to lose our Uncle Tony. Love, Brian & Suzanne"

"Mrs. Ferretti, MB, and family, We are thinking of you and praying for you at this time. I Sandy have great college memories of your wonderful cooking, Mr. Ferretti's lush garderns, delicious vegetables, and his fantastic musical entertainment. You and your husband showed great hospitality to me and I will never forget it."

"Mrs. Ferretti, Marybeth and family, You are in our prayers. With Love, -Victor & Jessica"

"Dad, I loved you a lot, and I miss you already. Your son, Steve"