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Mostly Cloudy Local historian, longtime volunteer dies
East Rockaway Kiwanian Carolyn Ferretti was 77
Carolyn Ferretti knew all about the history of East Rockaway. On the tours she led at the Grist Mill Museum in Memorial Park, she would tell visitors about the village’s rich Indian history, and how the coastal waters made it a popular place to settle down and raise a family.
Ferretti died on March 27 — her 77th birthday — of complications of a massive heart attack she suffered last September.
Ferretti was a co-chair of the Grist Mill Museum and ran its annual fundraiser, the popular Huckleberry Frolic in the park, for many years. The event was, and still is, well attended by residents of East Rockaway and the surrounding communities. She was also active with the East Rockaway Fire Department, the Kiwanis Club, the beautification committee and the library.
“She was unbelievable,” said her daughter, Marianne Desena. “Any function, she was there … she was a very civic-minded person, a very big personality in the village. She wanted to fill my dad’s shoes.” Andrew Ferretti, a longtime member and supporter of the Fire Department, died in 2003.
Born Carolyn Lake in Ozone Park, Queens, Ferretti attended John Adams High School there. Shortly after graduation, she moved to East Rockaway, where she met her future husband.
“My dad lived across the street,” Desena said, “and when he saw her walking, he offered her rides.” They soon started dating, and were married in 1957, at St. Raymond’s Catholic Church. After her husband’s death, Ferretti took over his ushering duties at the church, and stayed involved in Fire Department functions.
Desena said that her mother loved to travel, and over the years visited many countries. “Africa was her most favorite place,” she said. “She loved it there.”
“We traveled a lot together,” said Ethel Gilloon, a longtime friend of the Ferrettis and the lieutenant governor of the Long Island Southwest Division of Kiwanis. “Carol was past president of the East Rockaway chapter, and served as the Key Club liaison. She also attended painting classes at St. Raymond’s. She was a wonderful artist.
