Emilio Dante Ferrara passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. He was born in Kent, Ohio on December 10, 1937. He is celebrated by Margaret, his wife of 58 years, and six children Ryan (Lori Schwender) Ferrara, Garret (Michele Tekieli) Ferrara, Eric (Nancy Shehata) Ferrara, Erin (Brian) Hebb, Kyle (Adrien Gallo) Ferrara, Emele (Eric Manfrass) Ferrara; grandchildren Evan and Maggie Ferrara, Gianna and Francesca Ferrara, Emilio, Luke and Christopher Ferrara, Zara and Liam Hebb, Charlie, Palmer and Wilds Gallo, and Oakley and Remy Manfrass. His brother Paul (Joan) Ferrara, sister Diana (Jim) Runkle and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ovidio and Philomena Ferrara, sister Carmela Mostardi, brother Joseph Ferrara, uncle George, aunts Jennie and Genevieve Ferrara, Helen Ross, and Dominica Ramicone.
Emilio, Em, or Doc Ferrara, depending on how you knew him, was born and raised in Kent, Ohio. He truly lived a full and rewarding life. He attended St. Patrick School, Kent Roosevelt High School, and Kent State University. He learned the importance of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance working at the family grocery store, Ferrara’s Sparkle Market and as a paper delivery boy for the Record Courier. He was a standout student athlete in basketball and football and went on to play basketball at Kent State University earning the “outstanding Sophom*ore” award.
Upon graduating from KSU, he attended Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. While attending CWRU he was a groomsman in his cousin’s wedding. The bride’s sister, Margaret Hunt herself a bridesmaid, caught Emilio’s eye and they married four years later. Emilio graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery and they moved to Cincinnati where he completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The couple returned to Kent with two of their soon to be six children in 1968. Emilio established his oral surgery practice in Kent, next door to Sparkle Market, and built a practice that lasted four decades and allowed Emilio to touch so many lives and give back to the community and city that he grew up in.
Emilio possessed extensive knowledge and skill as an oral surgeon. He was a member of the International College of Dentistry and often donated his time and expertise as an instructor at Case Western Reserve University. He willingly taught the Sports Medicine class at Kent Roosevelt High School when needed. Possessing a rare ability to put patients and parents at ease with his caring manner and sense of humor, Emilio was loved and valued by so many.He extracted the wisdom teeth of probably half the population of Portage County, often spanning multiple generations of families. To this day family members will still get “your dad pulled my wisdom teeth” from people they meet.
Emilio was involved in many community organizations outside of his medical practice. He was elected to Kent City Schools Board of Education in 1973. He was re-elected for 7 more terms and never took a salary. He retired after 32 years of service. Under his tenure he oversaw the conversion of Davey Middle School into Davey Elementary School. Stanton Middle School was built, and numerous renovations and additions were made to the schools in the district including the building of the Roosevelt auditorium and pool. The Six District Career Technical program was also established. He was extremely proud of the fact that the citizens of Kent never voted down a bond levy while he was on the board. In honor of his service the Kent School Board created the Emilio Ferrara Community Service award that is given annually to an employee of Kent City Schools that exhibits extraordinary commitment to the community. He was also honored to be inducted to the inaugural class of the Kent Roosevelt Hall of Fame.
Emilio was involved with Kent State University where he donated his time and talents to all the athletes who needed dental care. He even made custom mouthguards for the entire football team. He could often be seen at practices with his children in tow shagging footballs or basketballs.
Through his affiliation with Windmill Lakes Golf Course and partnership with Herb Page, Emilio built a great relationship with the KSU Golf Program. He enjoyed watching the growth of the program and the success of the athletes both on and off the course. In 2007 he gave the lead gift for the Ferrara & Page Golf Training and Learning Facility that is the pride of the golf program and is amongst the top facilities in the Nation.
In recognition of his commitment to education and to Kent State, Emilio was appointed by Governor Taft to be a Trustee of his alma mater. There is a funny story of how he forgot about his call with the Governor because he was playing golf. When reached on the course, the Governor told him that he, Governor Taft, would rather be playing golf too as opposed to talking to a Governor! He got the appointment despite missing the initial call. In 1999 Emilio was named the Distinguished Alumni Award by KSU.
In addition to serving on the Kent School Board and being a KSU Trustee he served on the Robinson Memorial Hospital Medical Staff and the Robinson Memorial Hospital Foundation. He and Margaret opened their home for the very first Kevin Coleman Right at Home fundraiser. Emilio also served on the board of directors for Portage Community Bank. He was involved in the startup of the bank and still held the title of Emeritus Director. He was extremely proud to be associated with the bank and the people involved.
Even with all his accomplishments, Emilio remained humble, and his family remained central to his life. Sunday dinner, first established by his parents and continuing to this day, forged strong bonds among his immediate and extended family. While Sunday dinners were a family affair it was not unusual to have guests included. The Ferrara home was, and still is, always welcoming to friends and family. He and Margaret enjoyed many family vacations whether it was the beach, ski slopes, or abroad was not as important as it was that the family be together. Despite his local roots Emilio could be anywhere in the world and inevitably someone would yell out “Hey Em”, or “Hey Dr. Ferrara!” It was a running joke with the family to see how long it would be before someone would recognize him when traveling.
Sports were an important part of his life and he found no greater love than following his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic endeavors. He was the consummate dad/coach. If he was not coaching on the field, you could always hear him coaching from the stands, always giving positive encouragement and advice. It would be a disservice if we did not mention his love for euchre and how central euchre was to the family gatherings. The games reflected the competitive nature he instilled in his children and grandchildren. The running joke was that his enthusiasm exceeded his skills. Euchre games with “Champ” will be part of the legacy his grandchildren carry forth and pass on.
Emilio Ferrara exemplified the meaning of surgeon, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His passing has left an unfathomable void, but his legacy will be carried on by all who knew and loved him. He would want it that way. The family will receive friends and family, Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 3:00-6:00PM at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, 215 S. Depeyster St., Kent, OH. 44240. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 10:00AM, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, OH. 44240, with the Rev. Fr. David Bridling as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers Emilio would have preferred support to be shared with three organizations he was passionate about:
Kent City Schools Athletic Healthcare and Fitness Program which introduces healthcare opportunities to students of Kent Roosevelt through a two-year program. Donations payable to Kent City Schools-Athletic Healthcare and Fitness Program and mailed to 321 North Depeyster Street Kent OH 44240.
The Ben Curtis Family Foundation which seeks to alleviate food insecurity in our local community. Donations made payable to the Ben Curtis Family Foundation and mailed to 1675 E. Main St. #260 Kent, OH 44240. Or visit the website: www.bencurtisfoundation.org
The Kent State University Chip in Club which supports the KSU men’s and women’s golf program and assists with interscholastic support and enables competition on a national level. Visit www.KentStateSports.com/ChipInClub for more information. Donations payable to Kent State Foundation and include #14882 in memory of Emilio Ferrara in the memo. Mail checks to Kent State Athletics Attention Golf Program1025 Risman Drive Kent, OH 44240.
Services in care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.
