Joseph Ferrau Jr.

May 20, 1933 ~ September 25, 2021
Born in:
Jamestown, New York
Resided in:
Fremont, California
Joseph “Joe” Ferrau, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 25, 2021 in Fremont, CA, a city he called home since 1962. One of Fremont’s pioneer business owners, Joe was the founder of Fremont Rubber Stamp, which he began in his garage in 1964. Through forging partnerships with various office supply stores, including the much-missed Ledeen’s in the Fremont Hub, he was, by 1972, able to grow the business so much that he moved it to the space it still occupies today on Grimmer Boulevard. Joe happily worked at his successful enterprise until the day before his passing. Fremont Rubber Stamp will continue operating under the leadership of Joe’s daughter, Kathy.
Born in 1933 in Jamestown, New York, Joe served honorably in the US Air Force as a First Lieutenant, where, while working as a radar navigator, he survived a plane crash in Alaska and saved his pilot from the wreckage of the burning plane. In the 1960s and ‘70s, Joe could be found bowling at Lido Lanes or Granada Bowl, and in the ‘80s, throwing horseshoes at the Tri-Valley Horseshoe Club. Later, he became a devoted Bingo player, and he pursued this hobby at The Fremont Elks Club, LOV Newark, and the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church in Union City. He made many Bingo Buddies over the years, and sometimes even got to call out his favorite winning word.
Joe is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Esther, son Alan Schnars, daughter Kathy Davis and son-in-law Robert Davis of Fremont, his sister Diana Manzella of Fredonia, NY, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces in the Jamestown NY and Erie, PA areas and beyond. He will also be missed by his granddaughters Linda Ross and Amber Lamphier, great-granddaughter Breann Yonan, and by his beloved “brother from another mother,” Vince Suchoski, Vince’s wife Carolyn, and their children, Venetia and Christian, along with the extended Ranoa Family.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Frances Paterniti Ferrau, his sisters Genevieve Latone, Mary Gangi, Teresa Civil, Dorothy Fachetti, and brother Anthony Ferrau, as well as his grandson Nicholas Glasgow.
Friends are invited to the memorial service on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at the Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Joe’s favorite charities, The Wounded Warrior Project and The American Cancer Society. Joe will be interred on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.
Services
Memorial Service: October 22, 2021 1:30 pm - April 24, 2025 5:00 pm
Room: Garden Chapel
Berge Papas Smith Chapel of the Angels
40842 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538
510-656-1226
https://www.bergepappassmith.com
Love, Ron & Camille Willett
Thank you so much Ron and Camille!
So sorry for your loss. Your in my prayers. ❤❤❤
I met Joe at a bowling alley!!! My dad, Lee Henninger, bowled for many years with Joe. Traveling to bowling tournaments with the Ferrau’s was part of my young life. Then later on it was horseshoe tournaments for fun and exercise. Joe was always full of big laughs, always joking and always smiling. I remember good times with Joe and Esther and our families. I’m happy that Joe was in my life. May he rest in peace. ♥️🙏🏻♥️
Thank you so much Joan! My Dad and Lee were pals for ages, and had a lot of fun together.
Thank you my sweet sweet friend! I adore you.
Robert Fanucchi
I always called my school friends’ parents either “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, or by their first names, but Esther and Joe were “Mom and Dad” to me and to my first wife Jane. Thank you, Joe, for your generosity of spirit and the love you gave.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such an awesome person. I will never forget him. He and my dad were such good friends! They are probably up there in Heaven eating desserts and laughing. Sending my love to you both.
Love,
Sheryl (BACKHUS) Beckett
Thank you Sheryl! Our Dads had so much fun over the years, and my Pops was
so grateful for the help your Dad offered as well. All the best to you and the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such an awesome person. I will never forget him. He and my dad were such good friends! They are probably up there in Heaven eating desserts and laughing. Sending my love to you both and hugs!
Our condolences to all the family. I worked for Joe 11 years and have great memories with him. He was a wonderful boss!! My heart is saddened to hear he is gone, but I know he is watching over his family from Heaven. Prayers to you all….
Jennifer I’m sorry I missed your call! It was so nice of you to reach out, I hope to chat with
you sometime.
Dear Kathy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. We worked with Joe for over 35 years. He was always such a joy to work with. When I first moved here many years ago he was always so welcoming. I am sure Joe’s legacy will be one of a very positive giving person. Our deepest condolences to you. Know that we will miss him greatly but keep the very fond memories.
John Kuhr
Julie Paramo
& the whole Stewart Superior family
Thank you so much John and Julie- and thank you for the beautiful flowers! It is greatly
appreciated, they were lovely.
Dear Esther, you may not remember me, know you from Christine’s shop Best Beauty Care. Was very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Joe. Thinking of you with kind thoughts, best wishes and God Bless you,
Sandra Donohue