Obituary for Vincenzo "Jimmy" Ferraro
Vincenzo Ferraro, 75, of Brandon, FL, peacefully entered the gates of heaven on Thursday morning, September 10, 2020. Vince is survived by his wife, Grace Ferraro (DiGaetano) with whom just celebrated 52 years of marriage; his four children, Joseph Ferraro, Gina Boone, Christina Escobedo and Tony Ferraro; his seven grandchildren, Jacob Ferraro-Martin, Samantha Boone, Lukas Boone, Dyllan Ferraro, Drew Ferraro, Lilyana Ferraro and Maya Ferraro; his sister, Eileen Greco; his step-father Donald “Ray” Cobb and his step-brother Randy Cobb. Vince was born in Tampa Florida on October 31, 1944 and spent most of his childhood in Ybor City. He graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy high school in 1962 and obtained a B.A. degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida in 1971. Prior to completing his college degree, he entered the Army Reserves and served one-year tour of duty in Vietnam with the 231st Transportation Company (Grandads Gators) of St. Petersburg, Florida. During his tour, Vince received the President’s Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device and National Defense Service Medal. He started his accounting career with David Schwarts, CPA in 1970 and later joined the CPA firm of Bella, Hermida, Oliver and Gillman. In 1978, Vince and his long-time friend, Jose Alvarez, opened their private practice, Alvarez & Ferraro in Brandon, FL. They practiced together until merging with Oliver & Company in 1987. Vince branched off to found his own solo firm, Ferraro & Company in 1994. Since then his business flourished adding two other partners and changing to Ferraro, Higginbotham, & Hayes which later became what it is now, Ferraro Hayes, CPA, PA. He was always highly engaged in the Brandon community through his business but also through various civic and charity organizations such as: American Institute of CPA’s, Florida Institute of CPA’s, Board of Directors of National CPA Health Care Advisors Association, & various FICPA committees. He was continuously involved in community and his profession though over 40 different speaking engagements and published works throughout the years. Vince felt a great calling to serve and give back to the community. He was especially drawn to help the local homeless and people in need. He helped found the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) which continues to provide assistance to Brandon families. For many years, he involved himself in other great organizations. He was proud to serve as President of Greater Brandon Ecumenical Ministries, aka I Am Hope Café, as well as President of Greater Brandon Civitan, & Brandon Rotary Club. In addition, he served in Brandon Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, University of South Florida, Special Olympics, Brandon Jaycees, Promise Keepers, Nativity Catholic Church, & Brandon Outreach Clinic…just to name a few. He also served the Brandon community as Chairman of the First Annual Brandon Balloon Festival in 1983. But out of all his community involvement, he also found joy through – Santa Claus at Center Place. He brought so much joy & love to children and families every holiday season. Through his accomplishments, President Obama’s administration honored him with The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maria Cueto Cobb & Felice Ferraro. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 18, 2020, in the Sanctuary at Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the Mass. Please follow all current social distancing guidelines & health protocols when paying respects to the family. Masks or face coverings are required. A private military funeral service will be held that afternoon at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Due current pandemic policies in place, Florida National Cemetery has limited the number of people permitted to attend so this portion will be for family. Private visitation of the cemetery can take place on your own after 4:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to ECHO of Brandon (Emergency Care Help Organization) located at 507 N. Parsons Ave, Brandon, FL 33510. www.echofl.org.
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He was preceded in death by his parents, Maria Cueto Cobb & Felice Ferraro. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 18, 2020, in the Sanctuary at Nativity Catholic Church, Brandon, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the Mass. Please follow all current social distancing guidelines & health protocols when paying respects to the family. Masks or face coverings are required. A private military funeral service will be held that afternoon at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Due current pandemic policies in place, Florida National Cemetery has limited the number of people permitted to attend so this portion will be for family. Private visitation of the cemetery can take place on your own after 4:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to ECHO of Brandon (Emergency Care Help Organization) located at 507 N. Parsons Ave, Brandon, FL 33510. www.echofl.org.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
18
Sep
9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Nativity Catholic Church
705 East Brandon Blvd.
Brandon, FL 33511
Funeral Mass
Friday
18
Sep
10:30 AM
Nativity Catholic Church
705 East Brandon Blvd.
Brandon, FL 33511
Cemetery Details
Location
Florida National Cemetery
6502 S.W. 102nd Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33513
Memorial Contribution
ECHO
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