The Ferrante Family

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is pleased to announce that it received a contribution from the Ferrante Family in memory of Henry Ferrante, Jr.

Henry was born in 1943 in Rhode Island, the son of Enrico and Bettina Ferrante. His grandparents had immigrated from Basilicata and elsewhere in Italy at the turn of the twentieth century. Henry’s parents taught him a strong work ethic, and from a very early age he sought odd jobs to contribute to the family’s income. Henry earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Bryant College in Rhode Island, and upon his graduation he worked as an accountant in a textile factory.

Henry later enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Japan and Turkey. After completing his service, he purchased a successful laundromat and dry cleaning business. A true entrepreneur, Henry would go on to acquire multiple residential real estate properties.

Throughout his life, Henry mentored under-privileged youth and was a Big Brother to many. He was an avid reader of history, religion, and politics, among other subjects. He especially enjoyed football, collecting baseball cards, and cooking Italian food.

Henry eventually retired and moved to Florida, but his love for the East Coast and Italian traditions never waned. He would often purchase Italian groceries from his favorite stores in Rhode Island and have them shipped to Florida and elsewhere in the country so that he could share them with family and friends.

He will be remembered for his generosity, decency, hospitality, and kindness.