Joseph Ferrante

Joseph “Joey” Ferrante, a man whose laughter could echo through the streets of Brooklyn like the crack of a home run bat, has taken his final bow on the grand stage of life, just shy of his 31st birthday. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 12, 1994, to the late Bernadette Ferrante and under the watchful eye of his beloved grandmother, Helen Foley, Joey was a Brooklyn boy through and through. Joey’s life was a testament to the joys of simplicity: baseball, family, and good food. He was the funny, thoughtful, and loving nephew to his aunts and uncles: Michele & T.J., Jimmy, John, Philip , Paul (deceased), and George & Jackie. As a cousin, he was the spirited center fielder to a team of family members including Andrew, Isabella, Alexandra, Emily, Anthony, Juliana, Kayla, John, Matthew, Vincent, and Michael. Joey’s infectious humor and loving nature made every family gathering feel like a championship game. After graduating from Fort Hamilton High School, Joey built a life as sturdy as the buildings he worked on in construction. But it was his role as an umpire for kids’ baseball that truly captured his heart. On the diamond, he wasn’t just calling balls and strikes; he was imparting the wisdom of sportsmanship and the importance of a good chuckle, even if you’re on the losing side of the scoreboard. Joey was a lifelong fan of the Mets, and he approached each game with the same optimism one might reserve for the possibility of a no-hitter—no matter the odds. His love for the game was rivaled only by his love for his family and friends. Joey never missed a chance to hang out with his cousins or to share a laugh with his pals, often recounting stories that could make even the sternest umpire crack a smile. He was a man who knew the value of time, spending countless hours with family, always present for the moments that mattered. Joey believed in the magic of a good tune, the kind that could turn a bad day into a home run, and he was known to say that his Aunt Michele’s cooking was so good, it could make the Mets win a doubleheader. In the spirit of Joey’s love for comedy, let’s remember him with a quote from the great Robin Williams: “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” Joey lived by these words, embracing his spark of madness, which brightened the lives of everyone around him. On April 11, 2025, Joey left this world as he lived in it, in the heart of Brooklyn, surrounded by the city and people he adored. He passed peacefully of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, a collection of Mets memorabilia, and a lifetime of memories shared with those who loved him most. So here’s to Joey Ferrante, a man who played the game of life with the heart of a little leaguer and the soul of a seasoned coach. He taught us that life isn’t about the score at the bottom of the ninth; it’s about how you enjoy the game. As we bid farewell to our beloved Joey, let’s remember to keep our gloves ready for whatever life pitches our way and to savor the joy in every inning, Play ball Joey. You may have left the field, but your spirit will forever be the light that guides us home.