Michael Ferrare

YOUNGSTOWN - Prayers will begin on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at the Holy Family Church for Michael "Mike" Ferrare, formerly of New Castle, Pa. who died Saturday afternoon, at home surrounded by family.

Mike was born Oct. 09, 1926, in New Castle, Pa., son of the late Patsy and Jennie (Lombardo) Ferrare. Mike grew up in New Castle.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served his country during World War II.

Mike spent most of his adult life in Youngstown. Mike was a bus driver for the Youngstown Transit Company, later WRTA. He also was an auto-mechanic, owning various local service stations in the Youngstown area, including East Side Texaco, Austintown Sunoco, Cornersburg Amoco and Meridian Road and Amoco at Industrial. After retiring in 1989, he worked part-time at Galbreath Amoco, Mincher's Amoco in Poland, and Hovis Auto & Truck Supply in New Castle.

Mike was a fan of the Cleveland Indians and a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan and season ticket holder throughout the 80s. He enjoyed bocce and bowling. He bowled in the Tuesday Suburban & Cornersburg News Bowling leagues in Youngstown. In 1983, Mike won the Youngstown City Tournament Singles Handicap Title and along with his son, Joe, won the Doubles Handicap Title that same year.

He was a former member of the ITAM, Eagles and Saxon Clubs while residing in Youngstown.

In 1992, he returned to New Castle, where he made his home until August, when his recent illness brought him back to Youngstown to live with his daughter.

Michael leaves a son, Joe (Andrea) Ferrare of Youngstown; a daughter, Michelle (Tom) Bindas of Poland; a granddaughter, Gianna E. Bindas of Poland; and five sisters, Mary Casciato of New Castle, Connie (Howard) Gibson of Marina, Calif., Dolores (Jim) Campbell of New Castle, Loretta (Al) Smith of Lowellville, and Patricia (Skip) Loader of New Castle. Mike also leaves two very special friends, whom started off working for him and became like sons to him, Jeff Naples of Boardman and Gamal (Jimmy) Mohamed of McDonald.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Ferrare Jr., and Paul Ferrare; three sisters, Anna Ferrare, Rose Squicquero, and Angeline Nogee; and an infant brother, Ben Ferrare.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will take place at St. John's Cemetery in Lowellville.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512, who the family wishes to thank for their care and support.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.