Louis Ferlisi, age 89, a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully, February 28, 2015, at the Aberjona Nursing Center following a period of declining health. Born in Woburn he was a son of the late Vincenzo and Carmella (Conte) Ferlisi. Louie, who grew up in the South End. One of eight children, he attended St. Charles School, worked on the family farm from a very young age, and later commuted into Boston on the train for his job in the leather industry, manufacturing handbags. He attended and graduated from Barber School, which became a career he enjoyed for than more than 40 years. After apprenticeships both locally and on Cape Cod, Louie opened and operated barber shops on Winn Street and Main Street in Woburn.
Fondly known as "Louie the Barber," Uncle Louie, and Nonno, he was a devoted and loving husband to Rita (Indresano) Ferlisi for 49 years. Louie and Rita traveled to Cape Cod, Maine, New Hampshire, Las Vegas, California, Florida, Sicily, and cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda. However, he always enjoyed returning home to Woburn, where he wanted to remain with his family. Some of his most special times, were sitting and talking with Rita, John and Lena, in the neighborhood, and watching Kate and Vinnie grow up across the street.
A loyal, kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and godfather, Louie is remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, bright smile and a very strong commitment to family, friends, and long time customers. Louie found great happiness in many memorable times and events including his daughter's Regis years, his son in law's promotion to Lieutenant, the birth of his grandchildren, his Godson Vinnie's performances on stage at Matignon, his nephew Vin's "Easy Gourmet" cooking show, his niece Kate's college graduation, Laura's dance recitals, Grace's basketball games -- what ever the occasion, Louie was there to cheer you on and smile proudly.
He was an active member of the community and had strong ties to many people. Louie belonged to the Woburn Knights of Columbus and served on the Woburn Board of Health. He enjoyed golf, cooking and music. His passion for politics and history was shared regularly through his stories, strong opinions and activities in the city. He was proud to call himself a Woburnite. And he can be remembered campaigning for local elections, and attending many public hearings and meetings. Louie loved "Needle Nights" at the Lions Club, the Halloween Parade with the K of C and the traditional Thanksgiving Football Game against Winchester.
An avid sports fan, Louie watched with excitement, called out and analyzed the plays of the Patriots, BC and Red Sox games. He often told the story that he was one of the first Pat's season ticket holders and hosted the original "Super bowl Party." He loved music, and grew up playing guitar and singing with his brothers. Louie was the "life of the party" who would dance and sing, often performing at family functions. He brought much laughter to all.
Over the last 20 years, Louie and Rita spent time in Gloucester creating fond memories with his daughter, son in law, and grand daughters. He had great fun attending Laura and Grace's school events and activities, going to St. Peter's Fiesta, the Horribles parade, walks on the Boulevard, fishing trips and dining locally. Louie also enjoyed the stories and friends from the Gloucester Fire Department.
He lived life to the fullest - taking great pride in his work, family and home. He slowed down a bit due to declining health but he remained strong, finding comfort in his faith. Louie will be deeply missed but has left his family and friends with many happy memories and much love.
In addition to his beloved wife, Rita, Louie is lovingly survived by his daughter, Christina Kennedy and her husband Daniel of Gloucester. He was the loving Nonno to Laura and Grace Kennedy. Brother of John Ferlisi of Woburn, Virginia Duffy of West Yarmouth, Marion Amescua of Temecula, CA, the late Tina Calderone, Anthony, Carmen, and Ralph Ferlisi. He is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Friday, March 6th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Woburn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Bishop Fenwick High School, 99 Margin Street, Peabody, MA 01960-1846 or the Woburn Knights of Columbus, c/o Jack Kelly, 20 Barbara Circle, Woburn, MA 01801