Raymond Michael Ferri

Raymond Michael Ferri, DDS died at home on February 25, 2023. He was born April 30, 1954 in Newark, NJ, the third child of Gustave and Anne Ferri. He was raised in Westfield, NJ, graduating from Westfield High School. He swam competitively all 4 years. Subsequently, he attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He graduated with a B.S in biology. Ray met his wife Gail during their freshmen year at Bucknell. They dated throughout college and married a year after graduating. Raymond’s initial employment after Bucknell was in sales with IBM in Detroit, MI. He was fortunate to have a group of fraternity brothers who introduced him to IBM and who also lived and worked together in Detroit. When it was time to move on Ray decided to forego the corporate world and to pursue his dream of becoming a dentist. In 1982 Ray and Gail moved to Durham, NC where he started his studies at the UNC School of Dentistry. Upon receiving his DDS in 1987, Ray began an associateship in Asheboro, NC. He was lured back to the Triangle area by his friend and initial partner, Timothy Grinder, DDS. Together they built a thriving practice in Cary, NC. They quickly outgrew their space, and Raymond decided to go out on his own, though only three buildings down from his first office and a five minute drive from home. Ray and Gail’s lives were enriched by the addition of two beautiful daughters, Lianne in 1987 and Morgan four years later. As children do, the girls brought much laughter and some tears. Ray would be the first to say his daughters broadened his perspective on life, and made him a more loving and compassionate person. Once his girls left home, Ray turned his attention to biking, kayaking and exploring new places. He took advantage of the time he had after retirement to see some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. He also devoted considerable effort to raising colorful Koi fish in his backyard pond. Unfortunately Ray developed a tongue cancer in 1999 that required extensive radiation to the throat area. The treatment was successful and the cancer never returned, but complications from the radiation hampered his later years and eventually led to his death. Ray is leaving behind his wife Gail, of 45 years; his two beloved daughters, Lianne Ferri and Morgan Ferri, both of whom live nearby in the greater Raleigh area; his siblings, Rita Ferri of Goleta, CA, Richard Ferri of Colorado, and Lisa Ferri of Brooklyn, NY. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Joyce Waterbury of Carrboro, NC and Ray’s many nieces and nephews. Throughout his years, Ray was fortunate to experience many wonderful friendships, both in his personal life, and throughout his dental career. According to his wishes, the family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. We hope many of these friends will be able to attend.

Raymond Michael Ferri

April 30, 1954 - February 25, 2023