Obituary of George E. Ferrero

George E. Ferrero, Sr., 72, died June 24, 2003, in his Lodi home. He was born on April 2, 1931, in Lodi, where he lived all his life. George attended Lodi schools, graduating from Lodi High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Air Force in 1951-52, as a member of the Air Force Band. He attended San Joaquin Delta College in 1953-55. He was a partner in the family-owned business, Four Sons Grape Growers, from 1952-1958, where he partnered with his father and brothers. He also owned George's Music Center in Lodi from 1958 to 1964. George began his real estate career in 1964, working from Katzakian & Schaffer Realtors. As a real estate broker George co-founded Aladdin Real Estate in 1969, Ferrero and Heath Realtors in 1976, and FCF Real Estate in 1987. He owned Ferrero Construction from 1976 to 1988, and was the developer of Sun West units 1, 2 and 3 in Lodi, River Meadows, Del Rio and Windwood sub-divisions in Woodbridge. He was also an antique dealer from many years, traveling to Europe 22 times with his wife for shopping trips and touring. Always active in the community, George was a member of the Lodi Board of Realtors (serving as President in 1973); Lodi Young Farmers (President, 1953-1958); Lodi Junior Chamber of Commerce (President, 1960-1966); March of Dimes (Chairman, 1962-1963) Lodi Rotary Club (Past President); Assistant Cub Master from 1965-66; Boosters of Boys Sports; Lodi German Band; Stockton Pyramid Sciots Band; Little League Baseball Head Coach from 1961-1974; United Crusade; Woodbridge Golf and Country Club; and San Joaquin Parks and Recreation Commission (1976-1985). George was honored as Lodi's Outstanding Young Man in 1967. George married Rosemarie Pladsen (his childhood sweetheart since she was 11 years old) on June 22, 1952,in Lodi. George loved his family and was always there to help them. He is survived by Rosemarie, his wife of 51 years; daughter Loreen Bishop, her husband Wesley, and two children Kyle and Caitlin; son, George Ferrero, Jr.; son, James Ferrero, and his son Jordan; son, Kenneth Ferrero, and his children, Shannon, Anthony and Carter; and daughter, Andrea Orosco, her husband Philip, and their children, Jennifer and Christopher. George is also survived by his brothers, Johnny Ferrero, Jr., and his wife Jen; Frank Ferrero; Fred Ferrero and his wife Elene; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his daughter, Lorissa Ann "Lori" in 1959, and his parents, John and Catherine Ferrero. Graveside Committal Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, June 30, 2003 at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29, 2003 at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Avenue in Lodi. A virtual register book and personalized remembrances can be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.