Arthur Andrew Ferraro

Article Last Updated; Friday, October 09, 2009 12:30AM

Wounded veteran Arthur Andrew Ferraro, who landed at Normandy Beach during the D-Day invasion in 1944, died peacefully Thursday morning Oct. 8, 2009, in Durango.

Mr. Ferraro was born to Ralph Arthur and Palma Rose Ferraro on Sept. 21, 1918, in Salida.

He graduated from Salida High School and was drafted into the Army several months later. He served as an infantryman in the third invasion of Normandy Beach. Several days after the invasion, which helped turned the tide of the war in favor of the Allies, Mr. Ferraro was wounded by shrapnel from an exploding tank.

After the injury, he returned to Salida and married Mary Lou DeVoe in 1947. They opened Band Box Cleaners and operated it until they sold the family business in 1978. Today, the Band Box building is considered a local landmark.

During his retirement, he enjoyed golfing, skiing, bird watching, porcino gathering and following the Rockies and Broncos on television. The Ferraros moved to Sunshine Gardens in Durango in 2008 to be closer to family.

He was preceded in death by his son, Philip Andre’ Ferraro; and an infant grandson.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Lou Ferraro; sons, Ralph Arthur Ferraro, Vincent Michael Ferraro, Arthur Andrew Ferraro Jr.; sister, Catherine Post; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, at Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home in Salida. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday Oct. 12, 2009, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salida.