Ferens remembered as ‘the rock’ of his family
Joseph Ferens was well known for his ability as a skilled attorney, but in addition he will be remembered for his compassion, civic mindedness and for being “the rock” of his family.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Ferrens, 66, served as Fayette County Solicitor, Assistant District Attorney and Connellsville City Solicitor. But perhaps his greatest accomplishment was stepping into his father’s shoes when he died suddenly at the age of 49.
“Joe, at the young age of 25, he became the head of the household. He assumed his father’s position. He was the surrogate dad. Ultimately he thought it was his responsibility, and he did it superbly,” said Mardi Ferens, his wife of 41 years.
Feren’s sister, Jackie Cuneo, continued, “I was so proud of him. Three days after we buried my dad he had to go take his law boards. How he did it we have no idea. He passed the boards the first time.”
From there, Ferens would build his career, marry his high school sweetheart and keep his family together.
“He was our rock,” said Jackie Cuneo.
His sister, Pam Ferens, added, “He was like a father, brother and best friend.”
Joseph Ferens was also seen by many as a dedicated mentor and a man concerned with community service.
“Mr. Ferens was a great friend and solicitor. When I was first elected as a councilman in 2004, Joe always showed me immense respect. He had an incredible way of helping me learn without making me feel inexperienced,” said Connellsville City Councilman Brad Geyer.
Ferens was instrumental in shaping the personal, academic and professional life of his niece Beth (Cuneo) Dopirak.
“So many little girls dream of growing up to be princesses or ballerinas, but I wanted to be a lawyer like my Uncle Joe. I ended up going to law school and becoming an attorney, and he was with me all the way,” Dopirak said.
Noting his experience and unparalleled legal expertise, Geyer credits Ferens with guiding the city through negotiations that brought Martin’s grocery store to Connellsville.
Fayette County Court of Common Pleas Judge John Wagner and Ferens began practicing law in the county within a year or two of one another, and both worked in the county district attorney’s office together.
Judge Wagner said Feren’s loss will be felt by his family, the community and the county bar association, where he had served as a president in 2000.
“Joe was a very, very dear friend.” said Judge Wagner. “I considered him to be a gentleman first and a lawyer second, which, to me is a compliment. There’s a certain degree of friendliness, collegiality, that too often is lacking but Joe displayed admirably throughout his life. He was just a fine, fine person.”
Connellsville City Treasurer Judy Keller and Ferens grew up in the same Connellsville neighborhood.
“He was the perfect gentleman and had a great legal mind,” she said. “He was very professional. He wanted to give the city and residents the best legal counsel. He was raised in Connellsville, and what was best for Connellsville was important to him,”
Ferens was large in stature, standing 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighing 255 pounds, his wife said, with a big personality to match.
“He was bigger than life. Everybody felt good when they were with Joe,” Mardi Ferens said.
Living life to the fullest, loving life and life loving him right back is how his niece Lauren Cuneo remembers her uncle.
“Any interaction with him always left you feeling good inside and special and lighthearted. He had a way of making you smile instantly and feel like a million bucks,” she said.
Julie Bohna added, “He was the figurehead in our family and so compassionate. He was always there to help. Regardless of the event or what was happening, he was always there.”
His down time was spent golfing and cooking, Mardi Ferens said. She said he loved his work, but golf was his passion.
“He never did find that perfect swing, as much as he tried. UPS would deliver a lot of apparatuses, but ultimately that swing would never be perfected, but I just loved him so much for trying,” she said.