Robert Anthony Ferrario

FERRARIO, Robert “Bob” Anthony. January 30, 2026, Age 79. Beloved husband of Ann Marie. Loving brother of JoAnn (the late Tom) Andrews and brother-in-law Leo (Celia) Wittstock, sister-in-law Joan (Ed) Kibbie, the late Harvey Wittstock, and Mark (Lorraine) Wittstock. He is survived by many loving nieces, nephews. great nieces and great nephews, and three great, great nephews. Bob was born in Detroit to his loving parents Anthony and Cecelia Ferrario on June 14,1946, and was raised in St. Clair Shores where he later returned to teach. Education was in Bob’s blood. He began his journey as a life-long learner at St. Joan of Arc elementary school and Notre Dame High School. From there he received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics at Wayne State University. He did post graduate work at Walsh College and U of M-Dearborn. He returned to St. Clair Shores at a time when there was a shortage of math teachers. He subbed in math for a short time and was asked to take a permanent position which started his 29-year career at South Lake High School. He was totally involved at South Lake. He taught math classes from algebra to calculus and computers. Stretching his wings he also taught English, TV Production, accounting and economics. He was the head of the math department and worked diligently to keep the curriculum up to date and ahead of the times. The computer labs were only one example. If you wanted a job well done, he was the organized man to do it. He was named teacher of the year in 1989 and received the longevity award from the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He was a dedicated teacher who influenced the lives of many students and the teachers he mentored. But the accolades were not important to Bob; the students were his priority. He loved sponsoring student government, chess club, and being an assistant golf coach. He taught gifted programs at MISD during the summer and Adult Education for St. Clair Shores. He also worked with teachers as a leader in the South Lake Education Association and MEA/NEA. South Lake Schools became a family of life-long friends. There he met his wife Ann, and thanks to the matchmaking by their students, and love, of course, they were married in June of 1972. They were lucky to find the “loves of their lives” and “best friends” in a marriage of mutual respect that lasted 54 years. After Bob retired, he continued teaching at Macomb Community College, Baker College, and Detroit College of Business while he waited four years for Ann to retire. Bob was a golf fanatic. He and Ann took many golf vacations, especially where they visited friends along the way. He scheduled tee times twice a week, served as president of two leagues, and arranged special golf events during holidays. He worked as a starter and pro shop manager at Golden Hawk Golf Course. After retiring, they moved to (where else) a golf community on Glacier Club Golf Course where they met many wonderful friends. He also was an avid reader who loved science fiction and mysteries. He traded in his chess board to play bridge and euchre with his good friends. Bob’s favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends. Bob was a kind and generous man, compassionate and thoughtful. Bob was also a fighter. He fought for the things he believed in, but since 2019 he has been fighting a different kind of fight – a fight for his health fight to the very end. Despite his unwavering determination, Bob faced a battle he could not win. Throughout this challenging journey, he was supported by dedicated teams of nurses, doctors, and aides from various hospitals and rehabilitation centers, all of whom played a vital role in his care and comfort. The compassion and expertise of these professionals were matched by the selfless devotion of his sister-in-law, Lorraine, who came out of retirement and donned her nursing scrubs once again to stand by his side. Together, their presence and commitment along with Ann enabled Bob to fight with dignity and strength until the very end. At the same time Bob was fighting for his life, his sister JoAnn was battling too. Five days after Bob passed, JoAnn passed away. They are now in Heaven with their parents and JoAnn’s husband, Tom, and their son Gregory, as well as many dear friends. Memorial Visitation will take place on Friday, February 20, from 2:00pm -8:00pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). A Memorial Gathering will take place at 9:30am followed by a 10:00am Mass on Saturday, February 21, at SS. John & Paul Catholic Church, 7777 28 Mile Rd, Washington, MI 48094. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Capuchin’s Retreat Center, https://capretreat.org/. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com.

Robert Anthony Ferrario

June 14, 1946 - January 30, 2026