Frank Ferrante Jr. of New York City and Sag Harbor Dies April 17

Frank Ferrante Jr. of New York City and Sag Harbor, died on April 17 at his home in Manhattan. He was 80.

He was born in New York City on October 1, 1943, the first son of Frank Ferrante Sr. and Anne (Lauro) Ferrante. Predeceased by his sister Barbara Anne Ferrante, they grew up in Borough Park and Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

He graduated from New Utrecht High School in 1961. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he served from 1964-1968 during the Vietnam War, and was stationed in Southeast Asia and Japan. The Japanese culture remained an important influence in his life.

After his service, he attended Rutgers University, graduating with a degree in business in 1972. He had a long career in New York City as a film and television producer. His first job was at WNET Channel 13, where he went from mailroom boy to film producer in a matter of months, followed by various advertising agencies, and most recently, Broadway video.

Later in life, he became an animal rights advocate, and had his own radio program on Blog Talk Radio: “Frank’s Radio Pets.”

He loved speed and excitement, had his pilot’s license, several motorcycles, and he became an avid skier and windsurfer.

At Killington, Vermont, he was a ski instructor, ski patrol and became an expert witness for skiing accident trials.

He loved living in Manhattan, and enthusiastically took advantage of all the city had to offer.

Residing part-time in Sag Harbor since 1996, he loved the water and became actively involved in the boating community, working as first mate on The American Beauty, and the race committee boat of Breakwater Yacht Club.

Ever the optimist, he was a warm, gregarious person and was full of stories of his exploits, and will be remembered for his great big hearty laugh, which he shared generously, his family said.

He is survived by his brother, Gary Ferrante and his wife Jennifer and nephew Bobby Ferrante; as well as his longtime partner of 28 years, Barbara Maslen of Sag Harbor.

Services will be held at Torregrossa Funeral Home in Brooklyn, followed by burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Calverton.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Hamptons Jazz Fest (hamptonsjazzfest.org) will honor his zest for life.