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James Ferrari, Westchester's Lone Derailment Victim, Is Mourned

CORTLANDT, N.Y. -- Montrose resident James Ferrari was remembered as a quiet uncomplicated man who lived for his family.

Pallbearers carry James Ferrari's casket at his funeral on Thursday.

Pallbearers carry James Ferrari's casket at his funeral on Thursday.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Francine Ferrari overcome with grief at the funeral for her husband James, who was killed in Sunday's train derailment.

Francine Ferrari overcome with grief at the funeral for her husband James, who was killed in Sunday's train derailment.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Outside James Ferrari's funeral in Montrose.

Outside James Ferrari's funeral in Montrose.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Rev. Eric Cosentino leads the procession at James Ferrari's funeral in Montrose.

Rev. Eric Cosentino leads the procession at James Ferrari's funeral in Montrose.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Funeral services were held at Church of the Divine Love on Sunset Road in Montrose for Ferrari, 59, who was one of four people killed when a Metro-North train derailed in The Bronx.

Charles Ferrari, James' brother, told stories about Ferrari's life and talked about how much he loved his wife Francine and 20-year old daughter Rebecca.

"You made him the happiest man on earth," Charles Ferrari told Francine and Rebecca. "He was a man who actually got all he ever wished for. This accident is just not fair."

Donna Walsh, a Montrose resident who was friends of the family, said she will take every day as a blessing.

"This tragedy makes you realize how blessed we are every single morning," Walsh said.

Walsh said Francine is a devoted volunteer of the church and adores children.

"I told her I don't have the patience you do," Walsh said. "I can't do what you do."

Walsh said James Ferrari was a nice man who was happy being with his family.

"He was a very nice guy," Walsh said. "His neighbors loved him. I wish everyone's family was like that."

Rebecca Ferrari is very studious, Walsh said, and she enjoyed discussing American literature with her. Rebecca Ferrari is a student at Westchester Community College.

"She is looking forward to her career and what she is going to do," Walsh said. "She is a good college student who is very easy to talk to."

A memorial fund has been set up for the Ferrari family. Musician Joe Duraes, a friend of the family, will be hosting a fundraiser for the Ferraris at the Peekskill Coffee House on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. All CD and merchandise sales will go to the family.

 

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