Salvatore (Ted) Louis Ferrara

Salvatore (Ted) Louis Ferrara passed away peacefully in the arms of his family on October 29, 2024, in Waukesha at the age of 83.

Ted was born in Waukesha on October 11, 1941 to his loving parents, Salvatore (Sam) and Lucy (Amato) Ferrara.

He found true love with Pauline (Polly) Voss and they married in 1969. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this summer.

Ted is survived by his loving wife Polly, and his children, daughter Amy Ferrara, and son Bart (Brandy) Ferrara. He is further survived by his adored granddaughters Clementine Ferrara and Maribel Ferrara.

Other cherished survivors include sister-in-law Evelyn (Joseph) Ferrara, brothers-in-law Michael (Barbara) Voss and Patrick (Margaret) Voss and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Lucy Ferrara, sister Carmela, brother Joseph, sister Angela Both and brother-in-law George Both, grand nephew Carlo Ferrara, nephew Tony Ferrara and his wife Teresa, his parents-in-law Clair and Elizabeth Voss, brother-in-law Thomas Voss and his wife Kathleen and dear cousins and friends.

Ted loved playing sports, including football, baseball and swimming throughout his high school years. He coached grade school football and his children's sports teams. Fishing, golf, and hunting with great friends were other favorite pastimes. Teddy was also known for his chef skills, especially at the annual Deer Camp at Gogin’s Farm, and turkeys-on-the-grill at the Rustic Haven. His sense of humor was one of his signature trademarks, and anyone who knew him couldn’t wait to hear his latest jokes.

Education was important to Ted and he was proud to serve as a role model to his kids by returning to college to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Carroll University after 29 years.

Ted spent his working years in his chosen profession of Human Resources with truly wonderful family-owned manufacturing businesses in Waukesha.

He was an active volunteer with the YMCA, the American Lung Association and the Workforce Development Center at WCTC.

Ted, Polly and the family have always loved their annual up north adventures with the Minocqua Rustic Haven Crew, and were blessed to build their dream cabin in Door County, and to happily share it with friends and family over the years.

The family would like to thank the staffs of ProHealth Home Care, Oak Hill Terrace Senior Living, Azura Memory Care, Allay Hospice, the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County, the Waukesha Public Library Memory Café, and Visiting Angels for all their support in Ted's care over the years.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Ted's memory to Katy's Closet of Waukesha or Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha, or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life for Ted will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at St. Anthony on the Lake (W280N2101 Prospect Ave, Pewaukee, WI 53072). Visitation begins at 10:00am followed by Mass at noon.