Obituary of Richard A. Ferriolo

GREENVILLE - Richard A. Ferriolo, 88, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at his daughter's home surrounded by his family. Born at home in NYC on May 20, 1929, he was predeceased by his parents Adeline (Venaccio) and Joseph Ferriolo. His family moved to the Greenville area when he was in grade school and Greenville became his home for 80 years. After graduation, he entered the military and served during the Korean War period. He retired from the NYS Department of Taxation in 1992. An active member of the community he was a previous school board member for 16 years, member of the Greenville Fire Company, the Greenville Local History Group, an Usher at St. John the Baptist RC Church and a blood donor for a large portion of his life. Always one to speak his mind he was an active participant at many a local town board or school board meeting. In 1955, he married Alice M. Hopkins and they were married for 50 years prior to her death in 2006. He is survived by their two children, Thomas G. Ferriolo, Dunedin, FL and Tracy A. (Brad) Boomhower, Greenville, NY. Predeceased by his brother O'Neill Ferriolo and sister Dolores Cirigliano, he is also survived by his niece, Michelle Ferriolo Moore as well as 3 great nieces, Skylar, Cheyenne and Maya and 1 great, great niece Adisyn. He spent his time advocating for various groups. His dedication to Veteran's Affairs and the Greenville Central School District was evident in the two books he helped organize and write with assistance from others, The Town of Greenville Veteran's Memorial Book, Vol . I and II. and The History of the Greenville Central School District. He never turned down the opportunity to enrich someone's life by sharing a good story. Later in life his perseverance led to the restoration of the Potter Hollow School House. For many years he led the campaign to restore the last standing school house in the GCSD so that it could be opened for students to experience "a day in the life of a one room school house". His dream was recognized in June of 2016 when the first field trip took place. It was a rewarding moment and he enjoyed knowing that it finally happened. By far his greatest moments were those that he shared with his grandchildren, Bradley J and Elizabeth L Boomhower. Proud of all of their accomplishments, he became the team mascot for his granddaughter's volleyball team, affectionately known as their "Super Fan". He never missed a game and was always one to give encouragement from the sidelines. The family would like to thank the VA hospital ER Dept, nurses on the 7th and 8th floors and Dr. Rachael Grimm, who took such excellent care of Dad for so many years. To "Dad's Home Team"; Donna, Siobhan, Tammy and Loretta, words cannot express our thanks. Your care, love, support and friendship over the last few years has been appreciated by him and of course, us. Calling hours will be held next Saturday, August 5th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, with funeral services at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greenville Educational Foundation, PHSH (Potter Hollow School House), P.O. Box 129, Greenville, NY 12083. Condolences may be expressed at ajcunninghamfh.com.»(Do not delete this line. It does not print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)