Obituary of John Edward Ferris

John Edward Ferris, 93, of Syracuse, New York, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Syracuse Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center on January 11, 2025.

John graduated from Lemoyne College and went on to serve in the US Army Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC).  After his national service, he returned home to Central New York and earned his JD from Syracuse University Law School, as part of the nation’s GI Bill.  A well-respected attorney, John practiced law for more than fifty years in the Syracuse area.  He took pride in representing several police unions and local towns.

 John treasured spending time with his large extended family which included members of the Stiner and Cassidy families at Tully Lake.  At the lake he relished engaging in conversations and offering advice to the next generation.  His grandchildren benefited from his nonjudgemental counsel always delivered with Grandpa’s characteristic wit.

 John also loved his winters with Margaret in New Syrma Beach, Florida, and the time they spent with their many friends, including a trusty group of his peers, known as the “Deck Crew.” 

He is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Edward Ferris and sister, Edith Bledsoe.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years Margaret Cassidy Ferris, and their four children: Martha Ferris (Richard Belanger) and Shawn (predeceased), Stephanie, Vinnie and Patrick; Mary Ellen Ferris (Adam Heege) and Dylan; Bill Ferris (Rita) and Shane, Declan, Liam; and John Ferris (Corri Zoli) and Arabella and Maxine and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the Syracuse VA for their superb care of John.

Calling Hours will be held at Edward J. Ryan funeral home, 3180 Bellevue Avenue, Syracuse, New York, on Thursday, January 16^th from 4:30-7:00 PM. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 17^th at Holy Family Catholic Church, 127 Chapel Dr, Syracuse, NY 13219.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hope for the Warriors at www.hopeforthewarriors.org/