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Jeffrey M. Ferrara, 63

| April 18, 2025 1:00 AM

Jeffrey Michael Ferrara, 63, of Athol, Idaho, passed away at his home Tuesday, April 15, 2025. 

Jeff was born to John and Blanche Ferrara of Santa Cruz, Calif. In his teen years, Jeff enjoyed his time with the Sea Explorers of Santa Cruz. During his high school and college years, Jeff had an extensive football career, training with the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers. Football was his passion, which he passed down to his son, where he coached his Pop Warner teams. Before Jeff relocated to Idaho, he worked for the San Lorenzo Valley School District as a maintenance/painter specialist. Jeff was also a successful business owner in painting. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen Ferrara, and later found love again with Marcy Merriner in 2000. Jeff is survived by his second wife of 24 years, Marcy Merriner; his son, Brandon Ferrara and his wife, Rebecca; his daughter, Marissa Ferrara and her husband, Frank James; and his cherished grandchildren: Giovanni, Brooklyn and Travis. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Jimmy, Jackie, Janet, Julie and Johnny; and his beloved step-grandchildren: Cheyenne, Emily, Kyle, Vanessa, Josh, Joanna, Jacob, Arissa, Natalia and Catarina. He is also survived by his mother, Blanche; his brother, John; his sister-in-law, Tracy; his niece, Danny; and his nephew, Casey.

He was reunited in passing with his beloved father, John; his stepson, Jeffrey; his stepdaughter, Jennifer; his step-grandson, Cody; and his lifelong friend, Randy.

Jeff had a deep love for the outdoors and spent countless happy days fishing, hunting and boating. He enjoyed attending concerts and could always be found tinkering with something that needed fixing — never one to sit still for long. One of his favorite traditions was crafting his grandsons’ Halloween costumes each year, a reflection of both his creativity and the love he poured into his family.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel (744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814). A public viewing will be held at 2 p.m., with service following. All are welcome to attend and share in honoring his life and memory.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to a potluck gathering at the Ferrara residence (located in Athol) to continue sharing stories, food, and time together in his honor.

Please visit Jeff’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.