Thomas’ Obituary “Savor friendships, respect all living things, respect all nonliving things. Forgive, live, laugh, love, write down your thoughts, give your children opportunities, brush your teeth, play the hand you are dealt”. These are but a few of the words of wisdom Tom Ferretti professed as he lived and loved life to the fullest.
Dr. Tom Ferretti, 72, passed away January 22, 2019, after a challenging struggle with prostate cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Smeraldo and Mary Ferretti of Waterbury, CT. Tom achieved many goals and accomplishments during his lifetime.
Most importantly, he was a loving son, brother, husband, and father. He was “Tompa” to his two grandchildren who idolized him and he them. Among his many achievements, he received the “All America” Swimmer Award in high school and continued to swim for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill during his college years.
Tom was 1st Lt. in the Marine Corps and Capt. in the USMC Reserve during the Vietnam era.
He received his dental degree from the UNC School of Dentistry and began his General Dentistry practice in Pensacola, FL in 1982. He continued his dental specialty education at the University of Connecticut in Endodontology, finishing in 1991. Dr. Ferretti returned to Pensacola to practice Endodontics for many years.
He retired in 2005. Among the professional honors he received over the years were Gulf Coast Best Dentist 1987, President Escambia-Santa Rosa County Dental Association 1993, Diplomate of American Board of Endodontics 1998 and President Northwest District Dental Association 2001-02. In 2002, the Florida Dental Association honored him with a Certificate of Merit for “sincere appreciation for outstanding leadership and distinguished contributions”.
Dr. Ferretti received the title of Dentist of the Year in 2005 for “Outstanding Service to the Dental Profession and the Community” by the Escambia-Santa Rosa County Dental Association. Tom’s varied interests included: sailing, fishing, fly fishing (salt & fresh water), golf, Tae Kwon Do (Second Degree Black Belt), marksmanship (USMC Expert in both pistol & rifle), riding his motorcycles, racing his vintage sports car, as well as restoring old homes (4) and antique Airstreams (2). Tom is survived by his beloved wife, of 42 years, Ann Bruno Ferretti, his loving son, Petty Officer Second Class Thomas A. Ferretti Jr., USN (Mariah) and two delightful grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brothers Albert Ferretti (Carol) and Richard Ferretti (Kathleen) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on January 26, 2019, 1:00-3:00 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. The Reverend Dennis O’Brien will be officiating.
. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Covenant Hospice 5041 N. 12th Ave. Pensacola, FL 32504 or Prostate Cancer Foundation 1250 Fourth Street Santa Monica, CA 90401.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
