Joseph M. Ferraro, 59, of Worcester, passed away, Friday, November 7, 2008, in the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

   Joseph is survived by his wife of thirty years, Beverly M. (Ballotte) Ferraro; three daughters, Lisa Ferraro in California, Theresa LaBouef and her husband Robert and Christa Ferraro all of Worcester; a brother, Terrance Ferraro and his wife Evelyn of Worcester; three grandchildren, Shiana, James, and Mathew; nieces and nephews.

   Joseph was born in Worcester, son of James V. and Winifred (Gallagher) Ferraro and has lived here all his life. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade and Becker Junior College. Joseph served his nation in the United States Army, during the Vietnam War, where he received the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal. He had recently submitted papers to be awarded the Purple Heart, for injuries he suffered while serving in Vietnam.

   Mr. Ferraro worked as a liquor salesman for over thirty years, most recently with Horizon Beverage, where he worked for over twenty years, retiring in 2006. He had previously worked at Premium and United Beverages. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4, Brown Square Civic Club, and the Knights of Columbus Alhambra Council. He enjoyed golfing, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family at their home on Cape Cod.

   The funeral for Joseph will be held Tuesday, November 11, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, with a Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St., Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be held Monday, November 10 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Donations, in his memory, may be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in care of V.N.A. Hospice Care Network, 120 Thomas St., Worc., MA 01608.