Alfred Ferrari

Alfred Attilio Ferrari passed away peacefully at his home on May 27, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born to Attilio Joseph Ferrari and Guiseppina Artemesia Morra on June 14, 1929, in San Jose. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory which his son and grandsons also attended. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from San Jose State University.

At 15, Al started working at Eggo Foods, now Kellogg’s. They continue to produce their famous waffles in San Jose. He was drafted into the Army in 1951, and served in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He returned to Eggo, becoming Controller, and he proudly worked there for 40 years.

In 1955, he hired a recent graduate of Heald Business College named Carolyn Berta. They quickly fell for each other, became engaged, and were married. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary just before he passed. Family was everything to Al and Carolyn, and they instilled this value in their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

You may have seen Al and his friends at the Le Boulanger in Willow Glen, as they sat at the tables in the corner every morning for over 20 years. Al and Carolyn loved to travel, visiting many countries and almost every U.S. state. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they brought their children and grandchildren to Italy, embracing the family’s history and heritage.

Al enjoyed exploring the family’s genealogy, and tracing some roots back as far as the 1400’s. His first language was the Piedmontese dialect from Northern Italy. He never stopped learning and sharing his heritage. The center of his home was the kitchen, as he and Carolyn frequently prepared favored family meals served at a crowded table. He was a wonderful chef and baker, as was his father for many years. His family will forever remember enjoying his tasty focaccia, feasting on Nonna’s recipe for pillowy-soft gnocchi, and hosting the famous family ravioli events which required three days of roasting meat, rolling dough, laughing frequently, and savoring the results!

Al was the beloved husband of 69 years to Carolyn, his best friend and constant companion. He was a most loving father and father-in-law to Stephen, Joan, Teresa, and Ralph. He was Poppie to his grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren: Rebecca, Miles, Peter, Ashley, Tony, Bridget, Marisa, Nico, Bentley, Amelia, and Ben. He is survived by his sister, brother, and spouses and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved and supported over the years. The family is grateful for the love and care provided by his caregivers Mafi, Sally, and Mary.

Al was generous with his time and spirit, always providing a listening ear and friendship to those he encountered. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made in his name to Bellarmine College Preparatory or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Vigil Service Monday, June 2, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at LIMA-CAMPAGNA-ALAMEDA MISSION CHAPEL, 600 S. Second Street, San Jose. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH, 2278 Booksin Avenue, San Jose.