David Joseph Ferrucci

PORTLAND – David Joseph Ferrucci died at his home on Monday, May 28, 2024 after a period of declining health. He was born in Boston, Mass. on July 7, 1953. At the age of 6 months, he was adopted with great love by his parents Ralph S. and Priscilla R. (Johnson) Ferrucci and raised by them in Milford, Mass. with his beloved younger sister, Marilyn.

David embraced his father’s Italian heritage and had fond recollections of food shopping and cooking with Nonna Ferrucci. He retained these culinary skills as an adult, being renowned among his friends for his homemade pizza and elaborate appetizers. In middle age, David accompanied his father on a memorable journey to Italy where they visited their ancestral sites and met many relatives.

David attended Milford schools, making some lifelong friends. He graduated from Bates College in 1975 with a double major in biology and English, solid evidence of his far-ranging intellectual abilities and interests. He enjoyed his time there and had many memorable experiences with friends on Wentworth Adams Hall 4th floor, where he lived his entire time at Bates. He remained close friends with several of his fellow “Adams 4 Batesies.”

David continued his education at the University of Maine School of Law (class of 1980). He practiced law for many years in Maine, mostly in a solo practice at Kettle & Carter in Portland. He had a fierce loyalty to his clientele, whom he viewed as the less fortunate underdogs of society, typically representing them in criminal and parental rights proceedings, often foregoing to bill for his services.

David had a kind and generous heart. He was known for his charm and empathy, regardless of their station in life. He was a proud, affectionate uncle to his nieces and nephews and was generous to his friends’ children, too.

David appreciated everything from opera to a good New England Patriots game. While he eschewed participating in sports himself, he dearly enjoyed being out in a sailboat. He attended local opera productions and faithfully listened to the Saturday Matinee Broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. David also had a keen appreciation of popular culture and an astonishing memory. Few life situations arose for which he did not have a ready Seinfeld quote.

He lived life large. His motto might well have been “I spent a lot of money on wine, women, and song; the rest I just squandered.”

David was predeceased by his devoted parents.

He is survived by sister, Marilyn F. Gilman and brother-in-law, Roger Gilman of Mendon, Mass., who contributed greatly to David’s comfort in his final years; as well as two nieces, Megan Gilman and Gwen (Shauki) Villar, and two nephews, Andrew (Mary) Gilman and Tyler (Brianna) Gilman. He also leaves behind five great-nieces and nephews, Logan, Dylan, and Riley Gilman and Julia and Renee Villar.

He also leaves many grieving friends who will miss his gift of laughter, his kindness, and his witty take on life. The world is a duller place without David in it.

David would have celebrated his 71st birthday Sunday, July 7, no doubt in the company of his closest friends, as was his tradition. A memorial service will be announced for later this summer. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery in Milford, Mass.

Lux perpetua et requiem eternae.

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.