Peter B. Ferrante, 92, a longtime resident of New Paltz, died Sunday, February 2, 2025 at his home.
Born in Bronxville, he was a son of the late Costantino & Olivetta Terrana Ferrante.
The youngest of four sons of Italian immigrants “little Petey” learned to play hard and work even harder. From a very young age he worked with his older brothers at odd jobs around the neighborhood to help the family make ends meet. The lady next door, who had a job on a nearby farm, spotted the hardworking twelve-year-old mowing lawns and asked if he would like to come to work with her. He jumped at the opportunity, and it was there at Westchester View Farm that he found his life’s loves, Carol Ann Tatta and farming. Peter and Carol were married in 1956, started a family in 1957 and set out to own their own farm in 1960. Their search brought them to New Paltz where they were able to purchase land, build a home, and establish Wallkill View Farm.
Over the next six decades hard work and the love of family, friends and community were always central in Peter’s life, sustaining him through the tragic death of his son, John, in 1979 and the heartbreaking loss of Carol to cancer in 2012. He lived to see the farm that he and Carol founded steadily grow and be passed on to a third generation. Peter lived, loved and gave his all every day for 92 years. Who is more inspiring than the one who plants a seed having the faith that with devoted care and love it will grow and flourish, dedicating themselves to that endeavor.
Peter is survived by four sons, Peter J. Ferrante and his wife MaryBeth of New Paltz, Robert Ferrante of New Paltz, Sande Ferrante and his wife Linda of New Paltz, Tim Ferrante and his wife, Lisa of New Paltz, two sisters in law, Joan Ferrante of Danbury, CT and Barbara Zachensky (Stephen) of Sleepy Hollow, NY. Twelve grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to his parents, Peter was predeceased by his wife, Carol Ann Ferrante, a son, John Ferrante and three brothers, Anthony, Sandy and John Ferrante.
Interment will be privately held.
Charitable organizations dear to Peter and his family: New Paltz Athletic Association, Pancreatic Cancer Research, Family of New Paltz.
Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
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