{"id":128973,"date":"2026-02-10T17:28:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T17:28:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/128973\/"},"modified":"2026-02-10T17:28:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T17:28:10","slug":"funeral-arrangements-set-for-michele-ferreri-as-community-mourns-5th-generation-staten-islander","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/128973\/","title":{"rendered":"Funeral arrangements set for Michele Ferreri, as community mourns 5th-generation Staten Islander"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who fostered a nurturing home environment, embodying selflessness and resilience.<\/p>\n

She balanced care for her family with love, personal strength and faith, always putting the needs of others before her own, and facing challenges with a quiet courage and enduring determination.<\/p>\n

\"MicheleFrom the left Michele Ferreri, her son-in-law, Michael Spinella, his son, Michael Joseph Spinella, Santa, Toni Ann Spinella, her son Anthony Christopher Spinella and Anthony Ferreri at the Richmond County Country Club several years ago. (Courtesy\/Anthony Ferreri)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

As a wife, she was a true partner, ensuring that her husband was supported in every project and endeavor. And, as a mother and grandmother, she provided love, and the spiritual foundation that would guide her children and grandchildren into adulthood. <\/p>\n

She carried herself with grace, poise, and kindness, possessing special qualities that touched all who knew her. <\/p>\n

Michele DeStasio Ferreri, a fifth-generation Staten Islander, who adored the borough in which she was born and raised, passed away Sunday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, with her husband by her side. She was 75.<\/p>\n

Born in Rosebank to parents Lorraine and Michael DeStasio, Mrs. Ferreri\u2019s great-great grandparents immigrated from the town of Avellino in the Campania region of Southern Italy, and settled on Staten Island\u2019s East Shore in 1884.<\/p>\n

During the 1920s, Mrs. Ferreri\u2019s great-grandfather, Rafael Langere, served as a member of the Staten Island borough president\u2019s staff, where he was responsible for overseeing the Building Department.<\/p>\n

\"MicheleAnthony and Michele Ferreri at their daughter’s wedding in 2005. (Courtesy\/family photo)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

A New Dorp High School grad, where she was appointed to Arista \u2014 the city public school chapter for the National Honor Society recognizing high school students for excellence — Mrs. Ferreri achieved permanent Honor Roll status. <\/p>\n

\"MicheleMichele DiStasio Ferreri (Courtesy\/Bill Higgins)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

She earned an associate\u2019s degree from the former Staten Island Community College, a bachelor of arts degree in history and a master of science degree in early childhood education from the former Richmond College. <\/p>\n

Mrs. Ferreri maintained Dean\u2019s List status throughout her college career.<\/p>\n

Licensed by the New York State Board of Education, she began her career as an early childhood teacher at PS 54 in Willowbrook. <\/p>\n

In 1977, Mrs. Ferreri left teaching to raise her family.<\/p>\n

THE FERRERI\u2019S MARRY<\/p>\n

Mrs. Ferreri recalled the day she and her husband, Anthony, met in math class during their senior year in New Dorp High School. New Dorp High was located on Clawson Street then, where the school now known as Staten Island Technical High School resides.<\/p>\n

She was Michele DeStasio. He was Anthony Ferreri.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember him walking in front of me during senior year and I knew right away that I wanted to marry him,\u201d Mrs. Ferreri recalled with a chuckle during an earlier interview.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were always together,\u201d she added, because the couple had close, mutual friends. \u201cWe were all good friends and still are today,\u201d she added. The couple was brought together by their closest friends, Tom Niesi and the late Janet Tumminello, who would ater become Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Niesi.<\/p>\n

Two years later, Anthony proposed to Michele outside the St. George Theatre\u2019s doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur first date was on Aug. 22, 1968 at the St. George Theatre,\u201d Mrs. Ferreri remembered. \u201cThe movie was the \u2018Odd Couple.\u2019 We knew from the start that we were meant for each other and began discussing our life together that night. We were engaged 16 months later and married on April 15, 1972, three months after Tony\u2019s graduation from Wagner College and just weeks before my commencement ceremony at Richmond College.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MicheleMichele and Anthony Ferreri on their wedding day, April 15, 1972. (Courtesy\/the Ferreri family)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

The Ferreri\u2019s were married in St. Joseph\u2019s R.C. Church in Rosebank. A reception followed in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Labetti Post in the same community.<\/p>\n

On June 5, 2022, to recognize their 50th anniversary, the Ferreri\u2019s joined other jubilarians, including Anthony Ferreri\u2019s brother, Joseph, and his wife, Caroline, in St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral, where Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated a Golden Jubilee Wedding Mass and couples renewed their marriage vows.<\/p>\n

\"MicheleFrom the left, Joseph and Caroline Ferreri and Michele and Anthony Ferreri in front of the altar at St. Patrick’s Cathedral where they participated in a Golden Jubille Wedding Mass celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. (Courtesy\/Gina Ferreri)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

After more than 50 years of marriage, the Ferreri\u2019s said they are fortunate to have had the support of family and friends throughout the years.<\/p>\n

\"MicheleAt Michele and Anthony Ferreri’s 50th anniversary party, are from the left, Ray and Francesca Farnesi, Michael DeStasio, Michele Ferreri’s brother, Michael DeStasio Jr. and Daysi DeStasio. Sitting are Michele and Anthony Ferreri. (Courtesy\/Ferreri family)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

\u201cWe cherish them all, especially our parents, siblings, children and grandchildren and our extended family and friends,\u201d Mrs. Ferreri noted at the time.<\/p>\n

\"MicheleAt Staten Island University Hospital’s Charity Ball at the Hilton Garden Inn. At left are honoree and SIUH President and CEO Anthony Ferreri, standing center; his wife, Michele Ferreri, sitting second from right; his mom, Lucy Ferreri, sitting center, and family members. (Staten Island Advance\/ Bill Lyons)Staff-Shot<\/p>\n

Anthony Ferreri, who is retired, was president and CEO of Staten Island University Hospital and executive vice president of the Northwell Health System.<\/p>\n

He served also as Region II director of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.<\/p>\n

As a presidential appointee, to the United States Department of Health & Human Services, he was responsible for the administration\u2019s regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

A JOINT ENDEAVOR<\/p>\n

In 1987, the Ferreri\u2019s co-founded Metrotemp Services Company, Inc. Metrotemp provided office and healthcare staffing services to business and hospitals throughout New Jersey and Staten Island.<\/p>\n

During the early 1990s, the Ferreri\u2019s formed Metro Healthcare Services, a licensed home care agency.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Ferreri served as executive vice president of Metro, overseeing the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll functions. <\/p>\n

In 2001, she assumed the role of Metro\u2019s CEO, holding that position until 2002, when the agency was sold.<\/p>\n

PRAISE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<\/p>\n

A cancer survivor, Mrs. Ferreri twice co-chaired the annual March of Dimes Gala and Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden\u2019s Neptune Ball and Tuscan Gala. She sat on the cultural center\u2019s board of directors.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Ferreri also served as a member of the auxiliary of Staten Island University Hospital and the advisory board of University Hospice. <\/p>\n

She was a charter member of Wagner College\u2019s DeVinci Society, as well as a member of the auxiliary of Labetti Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Rosebank.<\/p>\n

\"MicheleAnthony and Michele Ferreri with President Bill Clinton and then-Congressman Michael McMahon. (Courtesy\/Office of Michael McMahon)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

In 2010, she was honored by then-Congressman Michael McMahon as an Italian-American Woman of Achievement.<\/p>\n

\"MicheleThen-Congressman Michael McMahon presented Michele Ferreri as an Italian-American award. (Courtesy\/Office of Michael McMahon)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

Along with her husband, in 2012, at the lavish 82nd Anniversary Red Carpet Gala at the St. George Theatre celebrating the historic North Shore jewel, the Ferreri\u2019s received the St. George Theatre\u2019s Georgie Award for their unwavering support, not only to the theater, but to Staten Island \u2014 and beyond.<\/p>\n

It was a momentous night for the Ferreris: The St. George Theatre wasn\u2019t only the site of the couple\u2019s first date, but it was where Anthony proposed marriage outside the theater\u2019s doors. Of course, Mrs. Ferreri answered in the affirmative.<\/p>\n

COMMENTS AND CONDOLENCES<\/p>\n

Children, Toni Ann Spinella and Joseph Ferreri, said collectively: \u201cDespite her struggles with health, our mom remained deeply supportive and caring to my brother and me. She was a loving grandmother to Michael and Anthony, and her kindness will stay with us always.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brother and sister-in-law, Caroline and Joseph Ferreri: \u201cTo our beloved Michele. So much more like a sister than a sister-in-law, a sincere bond held together by our mutual love and affection for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brother and sister-in-law, Donna and Chris Ferreri: \u201cI was only about 12 years-old when I met Michele,\u201d said Chris. \u201cSince I was one of three sons, she immediately became like a big sister. My wife met her when she was 16, and once again, Michele embraced her as a little sister. She was always a big part of our lives, present at every milestone and was a wonderful aunt to our children and great-aunt to our grandchildren. Our girls all loved their aunt Michele and we will all miss her every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cousins Linda and John Shall: \u201cMichele was my cousin\/best friend\/sister all wrapped into one. She shared my life through pain and happiness, kids and grandkids, and I will think of her every moment of my life,\u201d said Linda. \u201cMichele was like a sister to me and I will miss her dearly,\u201d added John.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon: \u201cMichele Ferreri had a loving spirit, caring grace and sweet kindness that made her such a positive force for her family and the community she loved. Her multi-generational Italian-American heritage was representative of the people of Staten Island who made this community special. Instilled in her early from her grandparents was a love of God, family, country and community. How lucky we are that Staten Island was that community. A gifted educator, she devoted herself to her family and then was a critical member of the support team for her husband, Tony, and better health care for all of us. Judy and I send our deepest condolences to her family.\u201d<\/p>\n

SURVIVORS<\/p>\n

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Ferreri is survived by the couple\u2019s children, Joseph Ferreri, Toni Ann Spinella (Michael), grandchildren Michael Joseph Spinella and Anthony Christopher Spinella, her brother, Michael DeStasio, two brothers-in-law, Joseph Ferreri (Caroline), and Christopher Ferreri (Donna), seven nieces and one nephew.<\/p>\n

She is predeceased by her parents, Lorraine and Michael DeStasio and her mother and father in-law, Lucy and Joseph Ferreri.<\/p>\n

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS<\/p>\n

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Matthew Funeral Home in Willowbrook. <\/p>\n

Visitors will be received on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday in Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church, New Dorp.<\/p>\n

Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, also in New Dorp.<\/p>\n

Memorial donations in Michele Ferreri\u2019s name may be made to the Brian Halpin Pediatric Cancer Center at Staten Island University Hospital or to Monsignor Farrell High School. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who fostered a nurturing home environment,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":128974,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":{"0":"post-128973","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-staten-island","8":"tag-new-york","9":"tag-new-york-city","10":"tag-nyc","11":"tag-staten-island","12":"tag-staten-island-headlines","13":"tag-staten-island-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128973"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128973\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/128974"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=128973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=128973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}