West Carthage - Joseph J. Ferris, 48, of 29 Madison St., died Thursday, June 21, 2012, in the emergency room of the Carthage Area Hospital. Joe was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in May of 2010.

Joe was born in Lowville on January 13, 1964, the son of the late James J. and Dorothy Sampson Ferris. He was a 1982 graduate of Carthage Central School and later attended Jefferson Community College, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Joe worked at both the Bonfare and A Plus Convenience stores in Watertown. Together with his partner, Faye Waterman, they operated a carpet cleaning business for several years. Joe was a coordinator for the Jefferson County Department of Employment for many years in Watertown. He retired due to his illness in December of 2010. He married the former Amie L. Bears on May 22, 1992 in Deferiet.


Joe was a member of the BPOE Elks Lodge # 1762, Carthage

He was an avid Syracuse fan and loved watching his children playing sports.

He is survived by his wife, Amie L. Ferris of West Carthage, two daughters: Katherine (Katie) Ferris of Amherst, MA and Kellie Ferris of West Carthage, a sister and her husband: Joyce and Ronald Blinebry of West Carthage, two nieces and several great nieces.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church with the Rev. George F. Maroun, Pastor officiating. Burial will be in Old St. James Cemetery. Calling hours at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home will be on Sunday from 4-8pm.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Carthage Elks Shoe Party or to the ALS Association, 890 7th North St., Suite 108, Liverpool, NY 13088.

To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.