Paul David Ferris
CROFTON, Md. – Paul David Ferris passed away on Dec. 22, 2020 at the age of 75. Paul was born in Waterville where he spent his childhood. He was one of five children raised by his parents, Joseph and Sadie Ferris.
As a young boy, he spent most of his time in small home in the Lebanese community known as Head’a Falls, taking care of, and going to daily Maronite Mass with, his grandmother, Jamilie Thomas, an immigrant of Lebanon who left a lasting imprint on Paul’s life.
Paul was an intellectual and man of faith, joining the Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C. after attending college at Notre Dame University. He left the seminary to have a family and met his future wife, Deborah Padua, at Catholic University where he graduated. They had two children, Joseph and Jamillia. Paul settled with his family in Crofton, Md. where he was an involved member of the community and the local Catholic church. He raised his family working as a religious educator at Fort Meade, Md., a real estate agent and a mortgage broker. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, which for many years could be heard at the 8 a.m. Sunday morning mass at Seton Parish.
For the last 20-plus years, he served as a tireless FEMA reservist comforting and providing relief to families affected by national disasters. He was well-respected by his peers and was recently elected to the Reservists Advisory Board, remaining active until the week of his death.
Throughout his life, Paul was vocal advocate for those less fortunate and for torture survivors, joining a weeks-long silent White House vigil in 1996. He maintained a strong allegiance to his alma matter, Notre Dame, cheering on the school’s football and women’s basketball team with pride.
Paul is survived by his adoring family, including his children Joseph Ferris and Jamillia Ferris, son-in-law Joshua Harrison; his former wife Deborah Padua Ferris; and granddaughters Isabella, Meghan, Sadie, and Magdalena. He is also survived by his cherished older brother, Robert Ferris; and extended family of cousins.
Burial will be at Saint Francis Cemetery in Waterville after 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Joseph’s on Friday, Oct. 8.
Attendees are invited for a light lunch at Saint Joseph’s Church Hall, catered by Paul’s favorite lunch counter in Waterville, The Lebanese Cuisine.
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