Richard Ferris

Rev. Richard Mason Ferris, 80, formerly of Poland, passed away quietly at his home with his family at his side on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Richard, affectionately known as Dick, was born September 1, 1936, in Montclair, N.J., a son of the late Harrison and Audis Mason Ferris. Dick Graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelors' degree in preparation for theological training. He received his Masters of Divinity from McCormick theological seminary in 1963. He was ordained as a pastor while serving the Presbyterian church in Polo Ill. Later he served a three point parish for the United Church of Christ in Jamestown Mo. The three churches that comprised this UCC parish were St. Paul's, Moniteau Advent and Pleasant Grove. He moved to Ohio with his family in 1985, when he was called to be a pastor at Poland Presbyterian church. From 1990 to 2001, he was pastor of Struthers Presbyterian church where he retired. After that he was active in Presbytery, serving in various committees, acting as an interim pastor, moderating sessions and filling the pulpit as needed for multiple area churches. Dick was a friend and a mentor to many people. He loved to travel and spend time with his family, making sure there was a Ferris reunion every year. He was also a self-taught carpenter. He designed and built his retirement home by the water on Lake Guilford. Living on the water allowed Dick to enjoy sailing, canoeing, kayaking and pontooning. Dick had a love of classic cars and innovative automotive technology. He loved attending custom street rod shows and the yearly manufacturer show in Cleveland. He was a voracious reader, musically talented and played the piano. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Dick leaves his wife of 56 years, Carmen Bonilla, whom he married September 3, 1960; four sons, Arthur ((Maria Crider) Ferris of Cincinnati, Ohio, Paul (Lisa) Ferris of Louisville, Ohio, Randy (Shelly) Ferris of Jamestown, Mo., and Daniel (Denise) Ferris of Alexandria, Ind.; 11 grandchildren, Joseph, Richard, Sarah, Anna, Matthew, Timothy, Joshua, Kelsay, Jacob, Anne, and Jonathan; and five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Gharis of Garland, Texas and Joan (David) Torgerson of Hill City, Minn. A Memorial Service celebrating Dick's life will be held Saturday, October 15, 1:00 p.m., at the former Struthers Presbyterian Church now known as Parkside Church, 110 Poland Ave., with his friend, Rev. James Ray officiating. Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m., until time of service at the church. Arrangements are being handled by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.