David Joseph Ferreira Sr.

Mr. David J. Ferreira Sr., 74, of Milford MA died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at his residence. He was the beloved husband of the late Antonia Rosanna “Toni” (Orefice) Ferreira. They were very happily married for 44 years before her passing in 2016.

Dave was born in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Joseph and the late Mary (Rumore) Ferreira. He attended St. John the Baptist Grammar School in Ludlow MA and a graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield MA, Class of 1963, where he was captain of the men’s soccer team. He attended the Marquette University in Wisconsin, where he also played soccer. Dave received his bachelor’s degree from Western New England College in Springfield, MA where he also obtained his MBA. He later became involved with the Alumni Association and served as president for many years.

Dave spent most of his professional life working in the insurance industry and financial services. He held numerous leadership positions at John Hancock, Mass Mutual, Sun Life of Canada and Mass Casualty Insurance Company moving him and his family from Enfield, CT to Milford, MA. He later began a successful career working as an independent insurance & investment advisor with the establishment of the David J. Ferreira Insurance & Investments, located in Milford. He was very dedicated to his clients and proud of the fact that he still went into the office every day. Dave was a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Registered Health Underwriter, along with other professional designations.

Notably, Dave was a Vietnam War veteran having served in the US Army attaining the rank of Sergeant. Dave was a long-time communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a long-standing member of both the Milford Lions Club in Milford and the Knights of Columbus, Washington Irving Council #50 in Enfield, CT.

Most important to Dave were his family, faith and friends.  He was a fun-loving, charismatic man who loved to joke and make people smile. Being with his family made him the happiest. He enjoyed and looked forward to all family gatherings, birthday parties and holiday celebrations. Dave was a patriarchal center in our large, loving Italian Portuguese family. He was quite sociable and very involved in his community. You could find Dave weekly at St. Mary’s Sunday mass, on the golf course and at the Café Sorrento. Dave loved the beach, trips to Saratoga, traveling to the Caribbean, family vacations in Maine and in his younger years at Hampton Beach. He was an avid golfer and an enthusiast of all sports. He passionately cheered on his grandchildren’s athletic teams and rooted for Boston sports teams, particularly The New England Patriots.  Dave’s favorite pass-times included cooking, watching old western movies, playing cards, putting together jigsaw puzzles and doing his newspaper crosswords.

Dave is survived by his two adoring children: Diana Landry and her husband Donald of Enfield CT and David J. Ferreira Jr. and his wife Tracy of Milford MA; four very special grandchildren: Caroline Landry, Carly Ferreira, Jack Landry and Jake Ferreira; three loving siblings: Nancy, wife of David Kowalczyk of Wilbraham MA, Elizabeth(Betty), wife of Gus Gillberg of Holden MA and Michael Ferreira of Ludlow MA; and three brothers-in-law: Salvatore Orefice and his wife Cindy of Enfield CT, Vladimiro Orefice and his wife Norma of Broadbrook CT and Claudio Orefice and his wife Helene of Somers CT. He also leaves many dear nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews who always enjoy Uncle Dave’s stories and teasing.

His funeral will be held Tuesday, August 25th, from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 7 East Main Street Milford MA due to the ongoing renovations at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. The family asks that you go directly to the church for Tuesday’s Mass.  Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Milford MA. Visiting hours will be held on Monday August 24th from 4pm to 7pm. 

Strict social distancing protocols & the use of face masks will be required for all facets of the funeral services. The Ferreira family is concerned for the well-being of all family members & friends and will respect your decision on whether to attend the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The St. Mary’s Church Renovation Fund, c/o St. Mary’s Church Offices, 17 Winter Street, Milford MA 01757 or to The Milford Lions Club, P O Box #639, Milford MA 01757.

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