John G Ferrone

John George Ferrone, known to all as Jack, or Jackie to family, passed away on January 29th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and larger-than-life stories. Born in 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio to Nick and Dorthy, Jack was third in line, blessed with two older sisters, Harriet, and Irene (Sissy), and a future younger brother, George. Just the second generation off the boat, Jack wore his Italian-American heritage proudly, embodying the spirit of his ancestors who braved the odds for a better life. Growing up in the era of the Great Depression, he learned the value of resilience and compassion firsthand. A tough guy with a soft heart, Jack was known for his boundless generosity, unwavering loyalty, and magnetic charisma that drew people from all walks of life to his side.

As a young boy, the family moved from the city to the small community of White’s Landing on Sandusky Bay. It was here, at Margaretta High, that Jack's path intertwined with his soulmate, Bonnie Graves, with whom he embarked on a nearly seven decades marriage of adventures, mischief, and enduring love. With little time for academics, Jack focused on his two loves: Bonnie and sports. His remarkable athletic ability made him somewhat of a local legend, setting school records in baseball, basketball, and football that stood for many years.

Jack’s stint in baseball continued as life’s journey took him from farmlands to army barracks, where his talent was good enough to catch the eye of professional scouts and spare him from some of the less glamorous duties of army life. Returning to civilian life, Jack forged a career in the trucking industry, starting from humble beginnings, changing tires, and ascending to become a pinnacle figure in labor relations. With his trademark blend of sharp intellect and down-to-earth wisdom, Jack navigated the complexities of labor negotiations, earning the respect of colleagues and counterparts alike. A true realization of the American dream, he became an executive officer of the country’s largest trucking company and negotiated the national operating agreement serving union trucking companies and the Teamsters.

Yet, amidst his professional accomplishments, Jack never lost sight of what truly mattered: people. From CEOs to blue-collar workers, he treated everyone with the same warmth and respect, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his children and grandchildren, who benefited most from Jack and Bonnie’s love, and strive to embody their shared values of kindness, integrity, and empathy. As we bid farewell, we find solace in the knowledge that Jack’s spirit will continue to inspire us. Yes, he will be sadly missed, but we are all better off for having known him.  Now, Dad, it’s time to continue your journey with Mom; she’s been waiting, and the spaghetti is getting cold.

Jack is survived by his children: Rick (Linda) Ferrone, Tony (Elaine) Ferrone, and Gina Ferrone Brown; grandchildren: Carmen Ferrone, Alessa Ferrone, Sofia Ferrone, Nick Ferrone, Dominic Brown, and Jacquelyn Brown; brother: George Ferrone; and many loving family members, numerous nieces, and nephews he loved like his own, and countless friends. John was preceded in death by: parents, Nicholas and Dorothy Ferrone; love of his life, Bonnie Sue Ferrone; infant son Nicholas Ferrone and siblings, Harriet (Floyd) Sand and Irene (Neal) Sheehan.

Please join us on March 2nd for a Visitation- Memorial Service at Mueller Funeral Home Visitation 2:00pm-3:00pm with Service starting at 3:00pm., followed by a Celebration of Life Open House Saturday beginning immediately following at the Dutchland Wood’s Whitehouse.

Mueller Funeral Home                                         Dutchland Woods Whitehouse

6791 Tylersville Rd                                                 6689 Hansbrinker Drive

Mason, Ohio 45040                                              Liberty Township, OH 45044

In Jack's name, memorial donations may be made to your charity of choice or the Catawba Point Association Memorial Fund, 802 Sandralee Dr. Toledo, Ohio 43612, where Bonnie and Jack's "Love Nest on the Lake" can continue to improve for years to come.