Philip Joseph Ferrara, Sr.

Philip Joseph Ferrara, age 86, of Mt. Airy MD, a former resident of Lanham, MD was called to the Lord on Monday, July 29, 2024. Philip was the beloved husband of Rosemary Ferrara, his wife for 65 years. Born on March 19, 1938, in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Philip Ferrara and Rosa Sciacca Ferrara.

Phil and his brother owned Penn Mar Liquors in Forestville, MD for over 40 years, which he operated alongside his son Philip, Jr. His children and several of his nephews, and grandchildren also worked there. His fun and carefree personality made him loved by all employees.

He grew up as the youngest of nine siblings in an Italian family, with one brother and seven sisters. He had a warm, inviting smile that brightened any room. He enjoyed going to church and spending quality time with his wife on Sunday afternoons. He also enjoyed golfing, watching sports (especially the Redskins), dining out, ensuring that everyone had a full plate to eat, sharing his famous spaghetti sauce (“red gold”) and vacationing at his home in Bethany Beach. Above all, he cherished spending time with his entire family, including his dog Chloe.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four children: Rosemary Levy (Phil), Terri Clevenger (Marty McIlvain), Philip Ferrara, Jr., and Michelle McGraw all of Mt. Airy; a sister Geraldine Rizzardi of Olney; Grandchildren: Chris, Stephanie, Brendan, Sean, Donald, Lauren, RJ, Alyssa, Nikki, Matthew, Olivia, and Austin; Great-grandchildren: Alexa, Brennan, Dillon, Corbin, Cooper, and Rhett. Also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Charles, Rose, Mary, Grace, Annina, Josephine, and Angelina.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1125 St. Michael's Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Kurt Klismet at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Catholic Church Cemetery in Mt. Airy, MD.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be streamed live, for those who are unable to attend. Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOdZ3NcvZs9_fuiVl7uFzlg

Or go to the St. Michael website www.smpschurch.org and click on the livestream link on the main page, or the YouTube Link on the top right hand corner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.