Reed J. Ferrari Obituary (1926 - 2017)

Gallup, New Mexico -- A funeral Mass for Reed Joe Ferrari, will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup. The Most Reverend James S. Wall and Rev. Christopher Bernabe will officiate. Visitation will take place Thursday at 9 a.m., followed by Rosary at 10 a.m. The Family will receive relatives and friends at the BPOE Elks following the service. Honors presented by the Knights of Columbus will be done during service. Military tribute will be performed by Brothers in Arms DBA Veterans Helping Veterans. Burial will occur in Albuquerque, at the Heavens Gate at 7999 Wyoming Blvd. and Paseo Del Norte Blvd, at 11 a.m. Reed Ferrari was born April 24, 1926, in Gibson, New Mexico and passed away in Gallup on March 20, 2017. After graduating from Sacred Heart School in 1944, Mr. Ferrari enlisted in the Navy, stationed in San Diego, CA. He deployed aboard the USS Bosque, a troop transport in the Pacific. At the end of World War II, he was Honorably Discharged with various commendations. Upon leaving the Navy, Mr. Ferrari attended University of New Mexico, then transferred to Woodbury University Business College in California. After earning a Business and Accounting Degree, he returned to Gallup to work in and later manage the family business, Gallup Sales Co. Under his leadership, the company continued to prosper, becoming the oldest beer and wine wholesaler in New Mexico, and surviving as one of the last wine bottlers in the western United States. Mr. Ferrari married Barbara Benavides in 1954. They raised three children: Ciliamarie, Reed Joseph, Jr., and Sabrina. Together, Barbara and Reed frequently golfed, square danced, and traveled the world. Reed loved hunting; family picnics; gardening; playing basketball, horseshoes and Bocci; and helping Barbara collect rocks. In later years, the Ferraris enjoyed watching their grandkids' sporting events and other activities. Cooking and dining with family and friends was always very special in the Ferrari home. Known to generously give back to the community, Reed Ferrari actively served in numerous clubs and organizations, for which he received many awards for outstanding service. He served on the Boards of both Western Bank and Sandia Savings and Loan, which later became Albuquerque Federal Savings and Loan. He also served on the Committee to obtain land and building for the Gallup Chamber of Commerce. Additional volunteer commitments and contributions included: *Board of Directors for the Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts of America in New Mexico. *Active promoter and volunteer for the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial. *Long-time member of the New Mexico Amigos, promoting the state's businesses throughout the United States. *Board of Directors of the Gallup Country Club. *Proud Sponsor of the Navajo Nation Rodeo. *Member of the Kiwanis Morning club (later, the Noon club), The 50-20 Club, Veterans Foreign Wars, BPOE Elks, Principe Luigi Lodge. After 70 years of membership, He became the oldest active member in the Knights of Columbus, Gallup. *Active Sponsor of the Red Rock Motorsports. A MX track and trails facilities. *Active Sponsor of Rehoboth McKinley County Hospital Facilities. *Active Parishioner of Sacred Heart Cathedral. Survivors include his wife Barbara, daughters Ciliamarie "CiCi" McGinnis (Mark) of Colorado Springs, CO, Sabrina T. Ferrari-Newell of Mesa, AZ and his son Reed Joseph Ferrari Jr. of Gallup, NM, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his sister Elsie Bernabe. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Guditta Ferrari, his uncle and aunt, Joe and Consiglia Ferrari, his sister, Venus Uliana, and his brother, Cecil Ferrari. Pallbearers are Dock Livingston III, Joseph Jett Ferrari, Jackie Tarro, Ben Bernabe, Yasmany Fuentes, Michael Bernabe, Lidio Rainaldi, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are Lidio Rainaldi Sr., Andy Piano, Sam Ray, Frank Gonzales, Leonard Fellin, Frank Colianni, Joe Zecca, Guido Zecca, Gene Pacheco, Dr. Wayne Goforth, Dr. Dave McKenzie, The Brothers of Principe Luigi Lodge. In lieu of flowers and to honor Reed Ferrari, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral, Rehoboth McKinley Hospital - The Wellness Center, American Red Cross serving Gallup.