Lawrence Grant Ferry

February 12, 1921 - August 9, 2017

Lawrence Ferry, 96, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side. Born February 12, 1921, Lawrence graduated from Waukegan Township High School, Class of '39 after a standout career in high school football. In his senior year he was named "Mayor for a Day" and kidded about that day helping him realize he should avoid politics. He later played for the Lake County Merchants semi-professional football team and remembered those days fondly. On June 3, 1952 he married the love of his life, Mary Zannini, and they celebrated many milestones together. Lawrence proudly served in the US Army, European Theater, during WWII, being awarded several combat medals, including the Bronze Star for saving three of his men; attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant; and getting just enough shrapnel to set off airport metal detectors. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Homer Dahringer Post 281. He was a Teamster, working for Meadow Gold Dairy for 37 years and later at St. Therese Hospital (now Vista West.) He enjoyed working with his hands and happily helped family, friends, and neighbors with household projects. Lawrence and Mary traveled extensively by car, especially to Florida, Colorado, Montana, and Texas to visit their kids and grandkids, all of whom were his pride and joy. They took a trip of a lifetime to Italy for their 40th anniversary. Lawrence lived a long and rich life where he was very welcoming and looked out for people less fortunate. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary; his children Marty (Ed) Biondi, Linda, Paul (Sherre), and Jane; his grandchildren John, Mike, Kate, Mike, and Dave (Shalee); and great-granddaughter Darkis; as well as nieces, nephews and friends. His family and friends already miss his storytelling, bright blue eyes, and hearty laugh. He is predeceased by his parents Ray and Mae, step-mother Sal, daughter Patt (the late Nels) Nizer, brothers Clyde (the late Barbara) and Paul; brothers-in-law Gene (the late Eileen) Zannini and Dr. John (the late Frances) Zannini; and special cousin Dr. Thomas (the late Marifred) Jackson. The family would like to thank VITAS Hospice and the many trusted caregivers who were especially helpful during these waning years. Friends may call on Saturday, August 19th, at St. Dismas Catholic Church at 9am; Mass will immediately follow at 10am. Burial at Ascension Cemetery will follow Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Salvation Army or St. Dismas Church