John Alan Ferrick

John Alan Ferrick passed away at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, PA on Sunday, February 21st, following a six-month battle with the consequences of a rare spinal stroke.

John was born into this world on June 29, 1960, the first child of John W. Ferrick and Joan H. Ferrick, in Brooklyn, NY. He was born into an Irish/Italian heritage, which as we know, is the best of all possibilities. His middle name of Alan was given in tribute to his Grandfather Alphonso Senese. This caused confusion though out the entirety of his life, as in school and work he was known as John, but to his family he was always Alan.

Growing up Alan was surrounded by a plethora of warm and loving aunts, uncles and cousins - Schneider, Senese and Celardo families, as well as his brother Bob, all of whom contributed to his love of family.

The family followed the traditional migratory path from Brooklyn to Staten Island and then to New Jersey (East Brunswick). Alan developed wonderful, close lifelong friendships all along the way.

He graduated from East Brunswick High School in 1978 and went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from Trenton State College.

Following graduation, Alan began a career as an Electrical Engineer with Grumman in Long Island, NY. He relocated to Grumman’s Benton Park facility in Benton, PA when opportunity presented. Later in his career, Alan moved to Lockheed Martin at their Archbald facility as a Senior Test Engineer. He always enjoyed the work he did and the people with whom he worked.

In Browndale, PA he built a home and in 1991 his wonderful son Billy was born.

In 2006, Alan married the love of his life, Edith (Edie) Wormsley, Edie brought into Alan’s life her loving family of Angela Nicholson, Kristina Campbell and Sonja Campbell.

In 2006, Edie and Alan selflessly decided to become foster parents and help children in dire need, deal with the unique challenges and rewards of foster care. In total, they fostered 11 children before having their hearts so wholly and completely captured by three siblings that they chose to adopt them as their own. Riley, Aryana and Payton became a wonderful part of the family.

Although he would not agree, Alan was truly a better man than most. He was a role model of what we should strive to be. While his death leaves a hole in our lives, it also teaches us selflessness and compassion. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his mother, Joan Ferrick, his wife, Edith Wormsley, his children, William, Riley, Aryana and Payton Ferrick, Angela Nicholson, Kristina Campbell, Sonja Campbell. As well as four grandchildren, Lilana, Liam, Lana and Logan Nicholson, son-in-law Ryan Nicholson and daughter-in-law Fayth Betke. In addition, brother, Bob Ferrick, sister-in-law, Charlene Ferrick, niece Kasey Ferrick and nephews, Ryan (Godson) and Nicholas Ferrick. Alan was also known as Papa or Papa John to Shauna and Alicia Gulla and their 4 children whom he loved like his own.

Viewing will be Monday from 9 to 10:30am in the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main St., Forest City, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 in St. Joseph's Church, Forest City. Interment in St. Anthony's Cemetery. 

Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Alan Ferrick, please visit our floral store.