Benjamin "Nu-Nu" Frank Ferraro

2023-04-02T19:49:23-05:00
Army Badge
  • Name: Benjamin "Nu-Nu" Frank Ferraro
  • Location of Birth: Nashwauk, Minnesota
  • Date of Birth: May 29, 1921
  • Date of Death: October 15, 2016 (95 years old)
  • Parents: Anton and Margaret Ferraro
  • High School and Class: Nashwauk High School, Nashwauk, Minnesota
  • College:
  • Highest Rank: TEC 4 (Technical 4)
  • Branch: Army
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: 1942
  • Place Sworn In:
  • Date of Discharge: 1946
  • Place of Discharge:
  • Military Awards:

  • Military Highlights:
    Ben served in the United States Army during World War II from 1942 to 1946. He served in the European and the Pacific Theaters.

    He had many war stories from this period in his life that he has shared with friends and family. He was very proud of serving his country.

  • Wars Involved:
    World War II

  • MIA / POW:

  • Civilian Life:
    Shortly after arriving home, Ben married Catherine Drezenovich on June 15, 1946. She had written daily letters to Ben throughout his war years.

    Ben worked at the Hawkins, Sargent, Agnew, Hill Trumble, Holman and Canisteo mines as a welder, master mechanic and foreman for over forty years.

    While living in Grand Rapids, Minnesota he belonged to the Knights of Columbus and American Legion.

    He also brought joy to many while playing and singing in The Second Wind Harmonica Band.

    Ben was a blessing to all who knew him. Whether it was by his music or building/handyman talents. He was a loving family man who lived by example, showing others how to live a full life with joy and gratitude.

    Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Catherine; and two brothers, John and Frank Ferraro.

    Ben is survived by daughters, Patti (Rick) Anderson and Barbara (Keith) Bray; sons, Benjamin (Connie Mudge), Jim (Beth), and Richard; brother, Anthony (Jan) Ferraro, eighteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; special "adopted: daughter, Barbara Bishop, and many nieces and nephews.

    Ben died at his home and is buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (C-C-12-24)

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):