READSBORO, Vt. — David Ray Ferris, 66, of Readsboro, Vt., passed away Monday, May 7, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with cancer.   

He was born in Barstow, Calif., on June 29, 1951, son of the late Lonnie Wesley Ferris Jr. and Gloria Ann (Lewis) Ferris. He graduated from Barstow High School with the class of 1969 and graduated from Victorville College and University of Redlands. David was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969 until his honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant on October 19, 1972.

David was employed at Pfizer/Specialty Minerals starting in Lucerne Valley, Calif., and retiring in Adams, Mass., after 34 years starting as a shift worker and working his way up, all the way to the East Coast human resources manager. David enjoyed the interaction with others so much he retired only to continue his career at the Home Depot in Bennington, Vt., for five years, making such supportive friends everywhere he went.

He enjoyed golfing and travel and was incredibly devoted to his family. David especially loved traveling to Disney World as well as to the Caribbean on Cruises, which is ironic considering seagulls left him a surprise on his head every time he strolled on the beach. David inspired others with his positive outlook on life even throughout his fight.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Gail (Verploegh) Ferris, whom he married on June 29, 1974; three daughters, Kerry Heathwaite of Woodstown, N.J., Lisa Ferris-Dow of Hoosick Falls, N.Y., and Jen Ferris of Readsboro, Vt.; six grandchildren, including Tayler Ferris, Abby Heathwaite, Ryan Dow, McKenna Ferris, Grace Dow and Avery Heathwaite; one sister, Mary Ann Al-Habashi of Kuwait; three brothers, including Wesley Dale Ferris of Fort Worth, Texas, Bruce Allen Ferris of Crossville, Tenn., and Ernest Eugene Ferris of Crowley, Texas; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Pamela Diane Smith and Lynda Annette Rockstad.

Funeral notice: A Celebration of Life for David Ray Ferris will be held Friday, May 11, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams, Mass. A calling hour will be held Friday morning from 10 to 11 a.m.

Dave Ferris was a true superhero while fighting his battle with cancer in hopes of spending extra quality time with his loved ones. Please feel free to dress the part to show this incredible Superman just how SUPER he really is and wear something Superman instead of formal wear. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to PopCares. P.O, Box 482, Williamstown, MA 01267.