James Anthony Ferrera

James Ferrera, 65, Devoted Father and Lifelong Adventurer 

James Ferrera, 65, of Epsom,NH, passed away peacefully on February 18th, surrounded by his loving daughters. He fought his battle with cancer with the same strength and resilience that defined his life, finding comfort and peace in his final moments. 

Born in Newark, NJ, James grew up in Bloomfield, NJ alongside his two sisters, his mother, and his father. A proud third-generation Italian American and devout Catholic, his faith was a cornerstone of his life. At 18, he moved to Arizona to live with his godparents and cousins, beginning a lifelong love of the outdoors. After 20 years in the Southwest, he moved to New Hampshire where he raised his daughters and continued embracing nature—finding joy in hiking, biking, scuba diving, kayaking and the scenic beauty of his new home. 

James had a deep passion for trains, history, and classic music and movies—nothing made after 1990 ever seemed to measure up. He was also a talented builder and woodworker, always creating something with his hands, whether it was a home project or a carefully crafted piece of furniture. He built a respected career as an HVAC service manager, earning admiration from his employees for his unmatched work ethic, leadership, and dedication. He was, without question, the hardest-working man anyone knew. 

But beyond his accomplishments, James will be remembered most for his larger-than-life personality. A true prankster with a silly, goofy spirit, he had a rare gift for making people laugh. He was kind beyond measure, always putting others before himself and never asking for anything in return. 

James is survived by his mother, Olimpia Ferrera; his sisters, Nancy Clay and Susan Busardo; his daughters, Eleanor Goff and Emilia Ferrera; his sons-in-law, Alexander Goff and Robert Makris; and his cherished grandson, Henry James. His legacy of love, laughter, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

A service to celebrate James’ life will be held on March 1st at 10am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 20 River Rd. in Pittsfield, NH, with a gathering to follow at 229 Bear Hill Rd, Chichester, NH, until 6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by taking a moment to enjoy the outdoors—something James cherished deeply. Donations can also be made in his name to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) to support cancer research and treatment advancements.