Leopold "Paul" Lawrence Ferrara

Leopold “Paul” Lawrence Ferrara, 81, passed away in his home on March 25, 2024. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Marie Ferrara, in October of 2023. Paul is survived by his four children: Danielle Ferrara-Seibel (Robin Seibel), Thomas “Tom” Ferrara (Timothy “Tim” Chew), Darbie Ferrara, Ovidio Dante Ferrara (Christie Ferrara); his grandchildren: Gillian Seibel, Myles Mathys, Zane Ferrara, and Ava Mathys; and his sister, Diana Runkle (Jim Runkle). He is preceded in death by his parents, Ovidio and Philomena Ferrara; sister, Carmela Mostardi; brothers, Emilio Ferrara and Joseph Ferrara; uncle, George (Fuzzy) Ferrara; and aunts, Jennie Ferrara, Genevieve Ferrara, Helen Ross, and Domenica Ramicone.

On September 8, 1942, Paul was born - the fourth of five children - in his parents home in Kent, Ohio. Growing up Paul worked a variety of jobs from delivering newspapers to lifeguarding. He also followed in the footsteps of his brothers and sisters and assisted in working at the family grocery store, Sparkle Market. From these experiences, Paul learned the importance of hard work - an attribute he would strive to demonstrate for the rest of his life.

In his youth Paul attended St. Patrick School and Theodore Roosevelt High School, where he met his wife, Joan Marie Potisuk. Following graduation from high school, he matriculated to Heidelberg University. After earning a degree from Heidelberg, Paul was accepted to The Ohio State University where he obtained his physical therapy degree.

In 1964, Paul and Joan married. Following their marriage they had four children: Danielle, Tom, Darbie, and Dante. Together they raised them on Plumbrook Farm which remains a place for family to gather and animals to be raised. Paul and Joan were hard workers and they loved to invite people to join in their yearly pig roasts and hayrides, company Christmas parties, family ski trips, and vacations - all across the pond and down under, making fond memories for all.

At his core, Paul was a giver. Physical therapy opened the door that allowed him to take care of others. His career as a physical therapist began at Robinson Memorial Hospital. Due to the encouragement of his peers he opened his own practice, Portage Physical Therapists in 1971. Outside of his career, Paul dreamt big - he started a Simmental Cattle farm, owned and managed several rental properties, started a baseball field - Triple D Diamonds, a Holstein dairy farm, was a founding member of Portage Community Bank - he loved to dabble in life and was never afraid to try anything.

To his children and those who loved him, he will be remembered for his soft smile, his ever extended hand to lift you up, his undying generosity, and his passion to always dream another dream. We will miss you always and forever dad (Paul) and knowing you are at peace will ease our minds. Please draw strength from knowing there is always something new and exciting around every corner, obstacle, or day - you just have to open your mind.

Memorial Mass will be 9:00 a.m., May 4, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Church, 313 North DePeyster St., Kent with Rev. Michael Marcelli officiating.

Celebration of life will immediately follow at the Kent State Hotel Ballroom, 215 DePeyster St., Kent.

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