Bernadette Ferrante

Bernadette Ferrante, a true Brooklynite with the heart of a lion and the spirit of a sun-soaked Coney Island day, danced her way into the heavens on April 11, 2025. Born on July 8, 1966, in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, New York, she lived her life with the same zest and gusto that she brought to every dance floor she ever graced. Bernadette, lovingly referred to as Red by her friends, embodied the word ‘adventurous.’ From her early days at John Jay High School, where she was known for her trendsetting fashion and ability to light up a room with her friendly demeanor, she set a standard for living life to its fullest. After high school, she found her professional calling at the American Stock Exchange, where she worked with a drive that matched her passion for life. Bernadette’s love for the gym was almost as strong as her love for a good laugh. Those dumbbells probably never had a more entertaining companion, and rumor has it they’re still shaking from her infectious chuckle. She was the embodiment of health and fitness, and her dedication to exercise was only matched by her love for soaking in the sun at Coney Island, her personal slice of paradise. Travel was another one of Bernadette’s great loves. She traversed the globe with the same energy she brought to the dance floor, always ready to explore new horizons and meet new friends. Her sense of adventure was contagious, and she left a trail of laughter and smiles across continents. Bernadette’s sense of style was unmatched, and she could often be found turning heads as she sashayed through Brooklyn dressed to the nines. Her fashion sense was as bold and bright as her personality, and she never shied away from a chance to get dolled up and hit the town. The love she had for her family was the true north of her compass. She was the cherished daughter of Helen Foley and the late James Ferrante, and the beloved mother of the late Joseph. Bernadette shared a special bond with her siblings Michele, T.J., Jimmy, John, the late Paul, Philip, George, and Jackie. Her nieces and nephews, Andrew, Isabella, Alexandra, Emily, Anthony, Juliana, and Kayla, knew her as the fun aunt who could always be counted on for a game or a giggle. Bernadette’s home was a haven for her beloved cats and any friends who needed a dose of her warmth and hospitality. Her laughter was the soundtrack of many gatherings, and her absence leaves a silence that will be hard to fill. In honor of Bernadette’s comedic spirit, here’s a quote from the great Robin Williams that she lived by: “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” And lose it she never did. Bernadette’s spark of madness made every moment memorable and every encounter a story to tell. We bid farewell to Bernadette Ferrante, a woman who never just walked through life—she boogied. Her loving, adventurous, and friendly nature will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. As we say goodbye, let us remember her with joy and the kind of laughter that echoes through the ages, just as she would have wanted.