Raffaello (Raffi) Ferrucci, died in Astoria, NY on Sunday, September 24, 2017 of a heart attack at the age of 79. Born on September 3, 1938 in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Raffaele and Rose (Marone) Ferrucci.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia Vogt and their son Teo Ferrucci of Manhattan; his children from his first marriage, Darryl Ferrucci, Aaron Ferrucci (Lori Matsumoto), Kristin Ferrucci-Fuller (Scott Fuller) and his grandson, Ian Milo Kibbee Ferrucci of California. His surviving siblings include Arlene Ferrucci Steinlauf, Catherine Ferrucci, Michael Ferrucci (Beth McArthur) of Connecticut, and Nancy Ferrucci (George Rigoulot) of Vermont. He is survived by a multitude of nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Rosemary Cassidy, daughter-in-law Pamela Kibbee and brother-in-law Edward Steinlauf. Growing up in Hamden, CT, he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in New Haven, and attended Cornell University. He began his career as a still photographer before moving to Manhattan, the city he loved. As a member of The Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Union Local 52, he worked primarily in the electric and lighting department for over forty years. He was known in the industry as intelligent, humorous, patient and a “really sweet guy.” Complex and multi-talented, his interests were myriad and eclectic, from the study of science, classical music, mycology and cooking (particularly the pickling of all edibles) to his trove of gadgets, pocketknives, paisley shirts and bicycles, his ‘metric for life’ was passionate and unique. Raffi’s warm, engaging personality and sweet smile made him seem ageless; his family and friends will sorely miss his wit, charm, and view of life. Friends may call Saturday, October 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Redden’s Funeral Home, 325 W. 14th St., New York, NY. A Connecticut memorial gathering will be held later in the year. Donations in Raffi’s name may be made to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11225 or to the American Civil Liberties Union, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004.