East Palestine-

Joseph Francis Ferris, Sr., 79, of East Palestine, passed away Friday July 24, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Aug. 31, 1940 in Salem, OH, the son of Ernest Bruno and Anna Virginia (Hilditch) Ferris.

Joe graduated from East Palestine High School in 1958 and attended Findley College. A lifelong resident of East Palestine and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He was owner/operator of Bear's Drayage Trucking Company until his retirement in 2016. He served as a Unity Township Trustee for many years. After retirement, he enjoyed his home during the winter months in Floral City, FL the past 10 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as a sister, Catherine Lynn Cope.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judith K. Hostetter Ferris, who he married November 3, 1962. Also surviving are three children, Natalie (Tom) Ferris Mellott of Rogers, OH, Joseph F. (Chris) Ferris, Jr. of East Palestine, Richard A. (Lana) Ferris of East Palestine; eight grandchildren, Cody and Nick Rohrmann, Tim Mellott, Tony Ferris, Jacob and Emily Ferris, Marcy Landsberry and Emily Casto; six great grandchildren, Gunner, Willow, Blakely and Benny Rohrmann, Landon Domitrivich and Penny Landsberry as well as three sisters, Mary Ann (Dave) Huff of East Palestine, Virginia Ellen (Ed) Kinney of Columbiana and Elizabeth (Don) Milliken of Beaver Falls.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, and to keep the family and community safe, Joseph will be lying in state at the Linsley-Royal Funeral Home Tuesday from 1:00-7:00 PM so that the community and extended family may come by at their leisure to pay respects and sign the guestbook.

A Funeral Mass will be observed at 10:00 Am Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Christopher Cicero serving as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Crest Haven Memorial Gardens in New Waterford.

Memorial contributions can be made in Joseph's name to Social Concerns at 375 E. Grant St. Apt. 7, East Palestine, OH 44413.