Michael L. Ferrara

Michael L. Ferrara

November 21, 1937- June 16, 2025

“Our echoes roll from soul to soul,

And grow for ever and for ever.”

--Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Whether teaching A Tale of Two Cities at Salamanca High School in room 133, directing from the apron of the stage in the auditorium or coaching on the tennis courts in freezing March weather, Michael L. Ferrara’s pursuit of excellence, belief in each individual and dynamic presence shaped his own journey and in turn, the communities he was part of. Born in Jamestown, NY on November 21, 1937, to attorney John A. Ferrara (1909-1951) and Katherine Finson, Michael (Mike) was the sole survivor of a 1938 house fire that claimed the lives of his mother and paternal grandmother. Five-month-old Mike was rescued by a neighbor. He was raised by his stepmother, Lucille Ferrara (1915-1992). As a child, Mike developed a reputation as a storyteller– often invited into classrooms of older children to share his tales. His love of storytelling and literature continued to evolve throughout his life.

Mike graduated with honors from Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, NY in 1955. He then enrolled at UB before transferring to St. Bonaventure University where he completed his Bachelor’s, majoring in English. After St. Bonaventure (and one year of Syracuse Law School), Mike enlisted in the US Army in 1960 and became an Army Intelligence Specialist stationed at the Pentagon. He was honored to have served his country and credited this experience as a defining period in his life.

In 1965, pursing his love of language and literature, Mike embarked on a distinguished thirty-four-year career as an English teacher at Salamanca High School. It was his affinity with literature that led him to the great love of his life Anne Marie Ferrara (nee Quattrone), whom he married in 1967. Their earliest dates included going to the theatre and scanning poetry (sometimes on cocktail napkins) -- practices that endured for over sixty years.

As an innovative educator, Mike introduced a multitude of extra-curricular activities to SHS including the award-winning WSHS which was recognized in the Courier Express Focus Section on December 14, 1969, as “the only school radio station in the state, and possibly in the nation that purchases airtime from a commercial radio station and sells and produces its own commercials.” In the same article Mike is quoted as saying “…as an English teacher my business is communication.” To that end, Mike guided students through the entire process of producing, programming and broadcasting. He often said it was the perfect learning environment: real-life pressure, problem solving and empowerment.

From 1970-1972, Mike held several positions with the Cattaraugus County Fair: he served as Educational Superintendent, coordinated the Art Exhibits and made PR appearances on Buffalo television. The board then elected him Secretary in 1973, a position he held until 1976. During this time, he contracted headliners including Joey Chitwood’s Demolition Derby, Tammy Wynette and Lynn Anderson. Additionally, Mike was an active member of Salamanca Kiwanis between 1966-1976 holding positions from President to NYS Lt. Governor. During his tenure, Mike introduced two elements that would become legendary in the local community: tennis tournaments and theatrical productions. The first production was The Drunkard’s Fate in 1970 followed by The Odd Couple in 1973 in which Mike starred as the sloppy Oscar to SHS math teacher Tom Nickler’s fastidious Felix. Despite Mike’s convincing portrayal, he preferred directing and producing. His engagement in theatre extended to his Master’s thesis entitled Black Theatre from Its Beginnings Through the Thirties. He received his MA in 1972 at SUNY Fredonia.

In 1975, Mike, together with Anne Marie, founded the community theatre group, The Village Players, producing over 70 plays in a twenty-year period. Through The Village Players, local talent was discovered, developed and showcased. Under Mike’s guidance, with his exacting direction and high expectations, people of all ages and walks of life came together creating theatre that had a wide reach and lasting impact. As with all endeavors, Mike expanded his knowledge and scope by joining Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS), organizing workshops, bringing theatre professionals to Salamanca and adjudicating community theatre productions for the annual TANYS festival.

A fervent believer in the power of the arts, Mike brought his extensive knowledge of theatre to the student body at SHS. He became the Drama Club Director in 1983, a role he held until his retirement. Several former students have pursued their interest in theatre, including Michael K. Lee who starred in SHS production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. As his former high school drama director, Mike was thrilled to watch Michael K. Lee’s Broadway performance in Miss Saigon.

The stage was not the only arena in which Mike developed students. He served as the Varsity Tennis Coach from 1965 until his retirement. Mike advanced as a coaching professional, becoming PTR certified by Dennis Van Der Meer in 1983, attending training and development in Hilton Head, SC. He remained a member of PTR into his eighties. Mike expanded the varsity program at SHS by introducing a Varsity Girl’s Tennis Team in 1989. In the western NY winters, Mike took students to indoor courts with the SHS Tennis Club providing an opportunity to train year-round. Mike was committed to bringing his love of tennis and its many transferable skills to his students; modeling his own mantra “on the court and off the court,” Mike mentored SHS tennis players, educating through sport.

A reassuring and authoritative presence in the SHS hallways, “Mr. Ferrara” was often perceived as intimidating. Once students came to know him, it became clear that his high expectations and methodical consistency were indeed the very qualities that elevated students and helped them thrive. Inevitably, students developed great respect and appreciation for “Mr. Ferrara”. In 1999, Mike announced his retirement from SHS. His address to the community was an impassioned plea to continue striving for excellence by providing enriching opportunities for the SHS student body. He ended his retirement address by paraphrasing Joseph Campbell: “Slay your dragons and follow your bliss,” advice his students undoubtedly recall.

Always one for adventure and learning, Mike embraced his retirement through travel, landscape design, cooking and grandparenting. A staunch patron of the arts, he and Anne Marie were annual season ticket holders for the Buffalo Philharmonic and Irish Classical Theatre. Regular trips to The Shaw Festival were a great source of summer joy. In 2004, Mike and Anne Marie began a new chapter in their lives when they moved to East Amherst, NY.

Surrounded by his family, Mike passed on June 16, 2025, having lived a full life while enriching the lives of all who knew him. For his family, Mike was a strong, guiding force who provided steady, calm stability coupled with a fun, adventuresome zest for life and boundless love. He is survived by his wife, Anne Marie, daughter Jennifer (Giorgio) and their two sons: Sebastian and Zachary; brother-in-law Joseph P. Quattrone, sister-in-law Mary Q. Kerns; nephews Case Q. Kerns, John E McFadden and Timothy Tolar; nieces Anne E. McFadden and Donna Prince. He was predeceased by his beloved son Theodore (Ted) J. Ferrara in 2019.

A graveside service with military honors and inurnment will be held in Mike´s honor on Monday, July 28 at 10:00am at the National Cemetery at Quantico in Triangle, Virginia. A private celebration of Mike´s life will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mike´s name to the Nannen Arboretum in Ellicottville, NY or to St. Jude Children´s Research Hospital. Condolences may be shared on this page.