James Michael LaFerla

James Michael “Mike” LaFerla

James Michael LaFerla “Mike” of Newport, Washington died on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. Mike was born on October 10, 1943 in Queens New York to Salvatore and Anne LaFerla. He was raised in New York and also attended schools there. After graduating from High School, Mike entered the Air Force in 1963 and became a jet engine mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1967. He worked at various jobs until he started working for New York Telephone in early 1970. In June of 1970 Mike married Ronnie LaFerla. They had two children; Michael and Denyse. In 1978 the family moved to western Washington, as Mike was transferred with the phone company. He went from a cable splicer to a communications technician. He retired in June 2002 after 32 years. Mike was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and received his 30 year coin last February 2012. During his sobriety, he became a ham radio operator, participating in many radio functions and was a member of several different radio clubs. One of his most endearing qualities was his joy in helping others. Mike recently struggled with bladder cancer for over a year and their son, Michael battled cancer and died in September of 2002.Mike is survived by his wife Ronnie, daughter and son-in-law; Denyse and Garrett, Grandson Mason, aunts and uncles and cousins in New York, and many good friends. He will be missed by all. Services were held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Newport is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com