1958
Diane
2021
Diane Ferrara
January 13, 1958 — April 23, 2021
Diane Marie (Santaniello) Ferrara, 63, Lighthouse Point, FL, previously of Johnston and East Greenwich, RI, slipped away in her sleep, peacefully but quite unexpectedly, on April 23, 2021 with her beloved husband Paul by her side.
Diane was born on January 13, 1958 in Worcester, MA, to Richard Santaniello and Nancy (Kane) Durkin. She graduated high school from Bay View Academy and earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With no surprise to anyone who knew Diane, she graduated early and with distinction. While at WPI, she met her husband of 40 years, Paul Ferrara. Paul and Diane were married on October 12, 1980. They raised two remarkable young women, Alicia DaRosa (Vero Beach, FL) and Juliet Ferrara (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) who forever remained the focal point of Diane’s life.
Successful at all she endeavored, Diane was a long-standing, top realtor in Rhode Island for most of her professional life before relocating to Florida in 2008. Her retired years were filled with ongoing projects, years of family boating enjoyment, as well as an unwavering devotion to the company and care of her mother and stepfather Bill Durkin. Diane’s giving nature ensured that everyone in her family felt her love, guidance, and continual support. She was truly the gatekeeper for her family’s comings and goings… at any hour, from near and far, her genuine warmth for others poured out freely to all who were blessed by her giant heart!
Left to cherish her memory are her husband Paul, daughters Alicia and Juliet, mother Nancy Durkin, sisters, Linda Mottola (Tonino), Karen Edwards (Andy), Julie Brox (Bill), and Cathy Harrison, stepmother Diane Santaniello, mother-in-law Florence Ferrara, and an extended family of loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, devoted nieces and nephews and friends from all walks of life. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Santaniello, stepfather William Durkin and father-in-law Joe Ferrara. Her generous life, and sudden passing, have affected all who love her dearly.
Family, friends, and all touched by Diane’s infectious smile are invited to join us for a “Celebration of Life” gathering, at the Ferrara’s Lighthouse Point home, on Sunday, May 23, from 2-5 p.m. to be held in place of traditional funeral services.
Additionally, for those unable to travel to Florida, the family will also honor Diane’s life, in Rhode Island, with a Memorial Mass on June 2, 2021, at St. Mary’s Church, 1525 Cranston St, Cranston, RI at 11:00 a.m.
Immediately following, there will be a luncheon, hosted by her stepmom Diane Santaniello. All are welcome to join us to share joyful memories of Diane with one another.
Please RSVP to help us in our planning.
Lighthouse Point:
https://fb.me/e/17F9e4J07
Rhode Island:
https://fb.me/e/2aARGogNL
(copy and paste the link to your address bar to be taken immediately to the reservation page)
Diane was born on January 13, 1958 in Worcester, MA, to Richard Santaniello and Nancy (Kane) Durkin. She graduated high school from Bay View Academy and earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With no surprise to anyone who knew Diane, she graduated early and with distinction. While at WPI, she met her husband of 40 years, Paul Ferrara. Paul and Diane were married on October 12, 1980. They raised two remarkable young women, Alicia DaRosa (Vero Beach, FL) and Juliet Ferrara (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) who forever remained the focal point of Diane’s life.
Successful at all she endeavored, Diane was a long-standing, top realtor in Rhode Island for most of her professional life before relocating to Florida in 2008. Her retired years were filled with ongoing projects, years of family boating enjoyment, as well as an unwavering devotion to the company and care of her mother and stepfather Bill Durkin. Diane’s giving nature ensured that everyone in her family felt her love, guidance, and continual support. She was truly the gatekeeper for her family’s comings and goings… at any hour, from near and far, her genuine warmth for others poured out freely to all who were blessed by her giant heart!
Left to cherish her memory are her husband Paul, daughters Alicia and Juliet, mother Nancy Durkin, sisters, Linda Mottola (Tonino), Karen Edwards (Andy), Julie Brox (Bill), and Cathy Harrison, stepmother Diane Santaniello, mother-in-law Florence Ferrara, and an extended family of loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, devoted nieces and nephews and friends from all walks of life. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Santaniello, stepfather William Durkin and father-in-law Joe Ferrara. Her generous life, and sudden passing, have affected all who love her dearly.
Family, friends, and all touched by Diane’s infectious smile are invited to join us for a “Celebration of Life” gathering, at the Ferrara’s Lighthouse Point home, on Sunday, May 23, from 2-5 p.m. to be held in place of traditional funeral services.
Additionally, for those unable to travel to Florida, the family will also honor Diane’s life, in Rhode Island, with a Memorial Mass on June 2, 2021, at St. Mary’s Church, 1525 Cranston St, Cranston, RI at 11:00 a.m.
Immediately following, there will be a luncheon, hosted by her stepmom Diane Santaniello. All are welcome to join us to share joyful memories of Diane with one another.
Please RSVP to help us in our planning.
Lighthouse Point:
https://fb.me/e/17F9e4J07
Rhode Island:
https://fb.me/e/2aARGogNL
(copy and paste the link to your address bar to be taken immediately to the reservation page)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Diane Ferrara, please visit our flower store.
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