Dick Ferri
1934-2010
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the unexpected passing of Dick Ferri, Vaccon’s founder and owner. Dick founded Vaccon in 1972 to manufacture VACuum CONveying pumps. His vision and passion for innovation turned his company into a respected US manufacturer with global sales and a product line that blossomed to nearly 40,000 vacuum products used in almost every industrial manufacturing process. That passion and vision have been passed on to his employees who continue to grow his legacy.
For those of you who knew Dick, you might remember him as a guy who liked to live life at full throttle and liked to do it his way. We will miss his positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm for his company, customers and most especially his employees who he cared for as though they were family.
Brian
March 12, 2010 at 7:26 am
As a former employee of Vaccon Company, I remember Dick Ferri as so much more than my employer. I had known Dick for over 30 years, and he was my friend. Dick was a kind and gracious man who understood the meaning of loyalty to his family, and to all of his employees. His knowledge of vacuum technology, as an engineer, was incredible. His inventive talent to create new products, and solve application problems for customers, will be missed by people all around the world.
God Bless you Dick. I will miss you my friend…
Rod Macleod
March 12, 2010 at 10:00 am
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Ferri family and Vaccon staff during this very sad time.
AirTech Controls Company
March 12, 2010 at 10:39 am
God Rest Your Soul Dick and may He comfort your family and loved ones in this time of loss.
I trust your are now free of physical pain and again the coolest Dad in the neighborhood.
I’ll always remember the 70s when you had those convertible Fiats that you and Joan zipped around town in, so cool. They were a lot of work to keep running but you were a man who could do it. Then Tommy got his license and beat the living hell out of those machines, I don’t blame you for throwing in the towel on that one and getting a Lincoln Continental.
All my Love and Prayers for you, your family and extended family at Vaccon,
Tom
March 12, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Brian,
I heard of your dad’s passing through Tony’s updates on FB. Just wanted to let you and yours know how sorry I am to hear of your loss.
Best,
Marc
March 12, 2010 at 12:38 pm
I MET DICK WHILE I WORKED AT J.H.BENNETT (IN MICH.). THAT WAS A LONG TIME AGO BUT I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN HIM. HE HELPED ME ON PRODUCT SELECTION AND APPLICATION
(OVER THE PHONE) MANY TIMES AND I KNEW THAT I COULD
ALWAYS GET PERSONAL ATTENTION AND HELP FROM HIM.
THAT SAID, I KNOW HE IS ALREADY MISSED, AND WILL BE,
BY THE COMPANY, AND OF COURSE HIS FAMILY. I LIKE TO
REMIND FAMILIES THAT ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS CLOSE THEIR
EYES, AND HE IS THERE. GOD BLESS DICK. MY BEST
WISHES TO THE FAMILY AND ASSOCIATES AT VACCON.
March 12, 2010 at 3:26 pm
…Brian,
It’s been many years since I last saw your Dad but I must say that I remember him as a family man of integrity and always a lot of fun. Of course, the bike trip we took from Southboro to the Cape and back was a major highlight! In the 70′s, your Dad gave me great encouragement and confidence on the heels of some tremendous diificulties. Visiting your house in those years was a picture of what a family was supposed to be like and for that I am very grateful. I thank him and your whole family for that…
All the best,
Chris
March 13, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Not only was Richard Ferri my Uncle he was also my God Father. He might not have been your most traditional God Father but I hope I can be as good a God Father as he was. I remember countless family functions at the house in Northboro. One of the most memorably experiences in my life was there. I remember watching the Hail Mary pass that Flutie threw in that house.
He was not your typical teacher. He taught by letting you jump into the water even if he knew it was over your head. It was a sink or swim type teaching but the great thing was you always knew there was a strong hand there to pull you out of the water if you couldn’t make it.
In my teenage years I remember spending snow days and school vacations at VACCon when they were in Norwood. At this point in my life my Dad and Uncle both worked in the same place. It was also even better because my cousin Brian was also there. I was no longer at teenager when I was there. I was expected to work and it really helped me grow and become a more independent person.
Then later in life it was great to be able to introduce my God Father to my son. You will be missed but you will always be in my life. I thank you for all your wisdom and teachings that you have passed along to me.
March 15, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Brian, I am very sorry for your loss. I had some great meetings with your Dad for many years and hope that you and he had no unfinished business…
Kindest Regards,
Steve Stroum
March 17, 2010 at 12:09 am
Today is a sad day for me , in the three years i worked at Vaccon i built such a great respect for a simply great man.
I think i speak for most when i say he made you feel like you were part of his family , he would ground you when you needed grounding and then smile and take you to luch.
Dick gave me the oppurtunity to move from the shop and join his sales staff , i was terrible at the job and he and i knew it , but he stuck with me and i remember walking into his office with my tail between my legs to tell him i wanted to go back in the shop and he said , and i quote .. ” The guys miss you down there , go take the garbage out ” and then laughed and smiled , as only he could..
I will miss you my friend , Thank you .
Gary S Laycox
March 17, 2010 at 11:41 am
My heart broke this morning when I heard that such a great man had passed. Next to only my dad did I have such respect for a man.
The years I worked for this man were the best I could have ever imagined. He was always smiling and always had a good word to say, he cared about his
employees as if we were all “family”. If you ever had a problem he would graciously offer a hand without asking a question about why.
The day I filled out my application , i met him on the steps heading up to his office for the first time, there was a very handsome , personable man that said “your hired..get a beer from the refigerator downstairs, welcome to Vaccon..now get to work” he did that with a smile.
I have often though of him fondly since I left Vaccon and will continue to feel the same way.
The world lost a great one..I will miss you Dick.
My heart goes out to Joan and his children.
Rest in peace Mr. Ferri.
Jonathan
March 18, 2010 at 12:16 pm
If I may please, I would like to speak for someone who is not here anymore. My freind, and Dicks friend Jeff Duhammel, I know Jeff would have been devastated hearing that Dick had passed away.
Jeff and I remained close after Vaccon. Whenever we got together or talked on the phone, The subject always went to Mr. Ferri, We would laugh as we reminised about our experiences at Vaccon and some of Dicks antics…He was very fond of Dick Ferri.
Thanks.:(