Joseph (Joe) Ferraro

Joseph (Joe) Ferraro

Joe Ferraro was born in St. Paul, MN, in 1939. Never far from his home base, he attended St. Mark’s, Cretin, UMN (Bachelors) and UST (Masters). He and his wife Shirley were avid travelers, visiting every state, 60+ countries, and every continent. His friends and family often wondered, “Where in the world are they this time?”

Joe will be remembered for his sense of humor, wonderful storytelling, annual photo calendar gifts, taking grandchildren on senior year trips of their choice, bringing their children and grandchildren to the Ordway theater each Christmas, and sending out personalized travel videos & photo greeting cards. The grandchildren fondly remember playing the “magic light switch” game with him.

Joe had several careers across the decades, with a love of music playing an important role. He taught orchestra in St. Paul and Roseville school systems. As a teacher, he joined the staff of the St. Paul Philharmonic Society (parent of the chamber orchestra). He was co-director of the music camp, guest conductor of the St. Paul Civic Orchestra, and associate conductor of the Twin Cities Philharmonic Orchestra. He founded and directed the St. Paul All-City Elementary Orchestra for the St. Paul school system and was named St. Paul teacher of the year in 1967.

Joe was a talent agent for over 35 years, booking many of the Twin Cities popular bands and singers. He worked with “name” talent producing concerts around the country. He owned a talent management company, Oakwood Productions, as well as being a pioneer in the field of video production. In later years, he and his wife, Shirley, were prominent St. Paul landlords, owning numerous rental properties.

He was preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Amelia Ferraro, sister Judie Fotsch, and son Michael Ferraro. He is survived by wife Shirley, children Joseph (Judy) Ferraro, Molly (Tom) Litecky, Tim (Anne) Ferraro, Jacob and Tony Shope, Wendy (Mark) Weeks; daughter-in-law Mary Pat Ferraro;16 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 am on March 2, 2026, at O’Halloran and Murphy, 575 Snelling Ave S., St. Paul. Following is a Memorial service at 12:00 noon, with all welcome to join for lunch afterwards.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph (Joe) Ferraro, please visit our floral store.