Jon D. Ferris

Jon Dennis “Denny” Ferris, Sr., 76, of Liverpool, New York, departed this life on October 9, 2020.

Denny was the definition of kind hearted. He had a heart of gold and would do anything to help others. He had a tough and rugged exterior but wore his heart on his sleeve. He was everyone’s most loyal friend, never saying no to anyone and always finding a way to get the job done. He would not only give you the shirt off his back, but made sure you never went shirtless again. 

He was a man that never stopped working, constantly thinking ahead and planning for the next project, even before the last one was complete. 

He was the first born of John P. and Hazel V. Ferris, on June 14, 1944, in Syracuse, New York.

Jon was a 1962 graduate of Westmoreland High School where he was known for playing football and basketball, goofing off and winning a twist contest at a sock hop with a cast on his leg.

He was a proud member and held offices at the Sons of the American Legion, Eastwood Post #1276.

As an entrepreneur, he started United Stainless Welding Company, Inc. in April of 1980. He traveled the east coast working at many well-known factories and plants creating tanks, tubing, and fixtures. While visiting the Dairy Products Building at the Great New York State Fair, go to the Milk Bar and look up to see some of his work.

Due to his love for food and cooking, Ambrosia Food Service and later the Bluegrass N Fries catering truck emerged. Many public and private events were catered over the years as well as serving food on bingo nights, chicken barbeques, and Friday fish fries at various American Legion Posts.

Jon lived his life driven by the dedication and determination to excel in everything he set his mind too. The love and passions of his life were his family, first and foremost, his closest and dearest friends, a well-stocked refrigerator, hungry people crowded around his dinner table, traveling to see the beauty this world had to offer, any sport involving a ball, deer hunting at the infamous hunting camp in the Adirondacks, riding his motorcycle, and fishing with his buddies on the Bandito III crew. He was happiest when he was cheering for his son, Jon, at basketball games, no matter the distance or weather. Jon was known for his big heart, funny sense of humor, cutting a rug to some good ole country music with his love and sipping some southern comfort old fashioned. He was a man with a heart of gold who will be painfully missed by all who knew him.

Jon is survived by his loving wife, Sonja Ferris; his daughter, Deborah S. Miller (James); his son, Jon D. Ferris, Jr. (Ashley); his son, Vernon Roberson (Bernadette). Jon also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Michael Potocki (Ryanne); Brandyn Miller; Alivia Potocki; Jacob Miller; Stone Ferris and Stormy Ferris; and great-grandchildren, Cambria Potocki and Marilyn Potocki as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel, his younger sister, E. Susan Ferris and his daughter, Sonja Lynn Potocki.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Upstate Community General ICU for caring for him in life and to Mathewson – Forani Funeral Home for caring for him in death. You may explore life stories or share condolences at www.mathewsonforani.com/obituary/Jon-Ferris and a donation page has been established to assist the family at https://gf.me/u/y4c5hr

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jon D. Ferris, please visit our floral store.