Robert "Rocky" Ferreira's Obituary
Robert (Rocky) M. Ferreira, 80, passed away from pancreatic cancer on Aug 25th, 2014. He was born March 9, 1934 in Lodi, California to Frank and Mary Ferreira. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, four brothers, one sister, and one son. He is survived by his wife of 57 glorious years, Patricia, two daughters, one son, ten grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. He was a retired warehouseman for Purex Corp of 35 yrs, and a baseball coach at the South End Boys Club for 35 years.
Rocky Started coaching for South End Boys Club in 1966 — baseball for 35 years and basketball for 10 years. He became involved in coaching when his son Jeff started playing baseball and continued for 9 seasons (1966-1975) with his son. Although his son was finished with youth baseball, Rocky continued coaching. He felt that teaching discipline, being a good citizen, having fun, learning the game and being a good sport were more important than winning. Although winning was not his primary focus, he went on to coach championship teams.
Being the organized person that he was, he ran successful team fund raisers such as car washes and candy sales. Rocky planned a team banquet each year, making sure that each player was included and achieved an award. Many times out of his own pocket, he would pay membership and athletic fees for some of his less privileged players. This gave them probably their only opportunity as a child to participate America's game, baseball. He would often treat his players by taking them to the Mariners games.
Rocky had a great skill of rallying the local business community to support the South End Club, successfully securing team sponsorships and donations to enhance the Club's programs.
Rocky was a player on South End's Coaches softball team for 7yrs. Even after retiring from his job, he would not only coach baseball but daily volunteered a few hours at the Club to interact with the members. He would play board games with the younger members, assist in settling disputes, tie shoes, coach 4 grade boys basketball, and even support staff in the office. Often, former players on Rocky's teams would come to the Club asking about him; his genuine interest in young people has truly had a lasting and meaningful impact on many youth spanning his 35 years of coaching and volunteering.
Rocky proudly served 4 years in the Navy on a submarine, as a submarine tender, and the magnificent Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier.
He often bowled at Bolero Bowling alley with some older folks and friends of his. He was also a Cub Scout Leader (and received the Golden Acorn Award) and the PTA for his excellent work
All in all, he was a very giving man who loved to help and work with people, especially the younger generation who needed adult guidance and love.
He will be greatly missed by all.
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