Samuel A. Ferrara

Samuel A. Ferrara, a man whose heart and soul echoed with the rhythms of the railroads and their storied past, was called to eternal rest recently, at the age of 78, in the town of Westborough, Massachusetts. Although a Rochester, New York native his whole life, he and his wife had recently moved to Massachusetts to be closer to their daughter.  Born on February 12, 1946, Samuel walked through life with a spirit of humility, a creative spark that illuminated the world, and a profound love for his family that knew no bounds.

A proud alumnus of Edison Technology High School, Samuel further cultivated his God-given talents at Buffalo State and Brockport University. He dedicated his career to nurturing young minds as an art teacher, and later, with great respect for his colleagues and students, he served as the art department chairman in the Penfield, NY School District. Samuel's artistic mastery, particularly his exquisitely detailed colored pencil renderings of locomotives and trains were recognized with numerous accolades and art show awards.

In service to his country, Samuel humbly joined the Army Reserves, living a life of patriotism and sacrifice. His entrepreneurial spirit gave birth to A Mixed Train, a venture with his dear friend Scott Hemengway where his love for art and railroad memorabilia, especially treasures from the Buffalo Rochester & Pittsburg Railway, converged in harmonious expression.

Samuel's life was a living prayer, shared with his beloved wife, Linda, and his cherished daughter, Stephanie, her husband, Kevin and his treasured granddaughters, Olivia and Ava. He was lovingly ushered into the arms of his Creator, joining his parents, Sam and Theresa Ferrara, who had preceded him in the journey to the heavenly kingdom.

A private gathering to honor Samuel's journey on earth was held at St. Mary's Church in Shrewsbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Samuel's memory to the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Road, Westborough, MA 01581, Attn: Stephanie Keane- outreach case manager.  Sam enjoyed many of the senior center activities once he moved to Westborough.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home in Westborough, Massachusetts provided guidance to the family during the transition. Samuel's gentle spirit, the depth of his love, and his unwavering commitment to education and the arts will be forever etched in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. His life was a beacon of God's grace, and his memory will continue to inspire all who walk the path of respect for all of creation.