Clair J. Ferry

Clair J. Ferry, 70, of Saegertown, died at home Friday, December 3, 1999, after an extended illness.  He was born in Meadville July 4, 1929, a son of the late Clair Spencer and Eva Floyd Ferry.  He married Dorothy Tucci March 13, 1954 and she survives.

He was a 1946 graduate of Cambridge Springs High School and a veteran of the Korean Conflict with the US Navy.  He had been employed at one time with General Electric and Bucyrus-Erie both of Erie, with GATX of Saegertown and with Joe Tucci Trucking of Venango.  In 1961, he established Clair J. Ferry Trucking and in 1969 expanded to include school busing, servicing the Saegertown attendance area of Penncrest School District.  He served on the Board of Directors of the PA School Bus Assn., representing sixteen counties of NWPA from 1986 through May 1999.  He was a member of the Pupil Transportation Assn. of PA, served on the NW Tri-County Pupil Transportation Committee and served on special committees on each of these associations.  He helped organize and conduct the annual School Bus Safety Competition on the State and local levels.

He also served on the United Community Independence Program's (UCIP) Board of Directors for more than two decades, serving as President for several years.  In September 1996, he received a prestigious award for outstanding dedication and service from UCIP.  On September 23, 1999, he was made an Honorary Member of the Board of Directors of UCIP.

Additionally, he was a member of Masonic Lodge #408, member and Past High Priest of Solomon Royal Arch Chapter #191, member and Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Timothy Alden Council #60, member and Past Commander of NW Commandry #25 all of Meadville; member of Tuna Valley York Rite College #76, Council of Anointed Kings, Kismet Grotto of Meadville, Zem Zem Shrine Temple of Erie and Erie Consistory.  In 1996, he received the Meritorious Service Award from the Masonic Council of Deliberations.

He was also a member and Past Adjutant of the Saegertown American Legion Post #205, member of James D. Bower VFW Post #169 of Venango, member of the Meadville Elks Lodge #219 and a former trustee for over 15 years, former Saegertown Republican committeeman, former member of the Saegertown Borough Council and a member of Saegertown United Methodist Church.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include four daughters, Brenda L. Braymer of Saegertown, Valerie A. Simmons of Meadville, Laurie L. Curtis of Meadville and Amy J. Talkington (Brent) of Saegertown; two sisters, Marylyn Simpson of Erie and Margaret Humes of Jackson Center; a brother, William Ferry of Saegertown; eight grandchildren, Krista Braymer, Alaina Braymer, Jenna Braymer, Joseph Braymer, Alesha Braymer, Ryan Simmons, Brandon Simmons and Brittany Curtis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by a brother, John Kepler and a sister, Velma Torry Mason.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Venango Cemetery.