Thomas "Pop" Ferris

Thomas Ferris (or Pop to his kids, grand kids, and pool kids) was born in Scranton, PA, on
October 12, 1938, to Frances and Michael Ferris. He eventually became a Newark boy where he
continued to grow up; but he still spent his childhood summers in Scranton. He loved hanging
out with his buddies while watching and playing sports. Eventually, he even coached baseball.
Pop worked for over 50 years as a member of the International Longshoreman’s Association for
APM Terminals holding various positions throughout his tenure. After retiring, he volunteered
his time at St. Theresa School in Kenilworth, NJ, assisting students in the cafeteria at lunch time.
Pop was a lifelong visitor of Monmouth Park. He is most well-known there by his catch phrase:
“Get ‘em up there!” He shared his love of horse races with his children and grandchildren when
they all spent family days together laughing, chatting, eating ice cream sundaes, and a bit of
gambling too.
The family took many wonderful vacations to Disney World over the years at Pop’s request. His
love for Disney has made all of them proud Disney adults who wouldn’t have it any other way.
He loved playing billiards so much so that he played in two different leagues, APA (American
Pool Players Association) and TAP (Pools Amateur Tour), and on many teams including: Pop and
his 7 Kids, Bulldogs, Hustlers, Sandbaggers, and Black Porch 3-Peat. He was on 7 state
championship teams that went to Las Vegas for the World Championship Tournament. Pop was
well loved by his pool family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Ferris; daughter, Susan Aronowitz and son-in-law, Marc
Aronowitz; son Michael Ferris, and daughter-in-law Mary Ferris; grandchildren Conchetta Susie
Aronowitz and Thomas Michael Ferris; sister, Anne Dana and brother in-law, Nat Dana; stepson
Troy Grabill and wife Michelle Grabill; stepson Danny Grabill and wife Cheryl Grabill; step
grandchildren Harleigh Grace Grabill, and Brandon Grabill; and many nieces and nephews and
grandnieces and grandnephews.
We love you, Pop! We’ll all be playing 1017 straight and boxed in your honor.

Visitation will be at The Galante Funeral Home in Union on Thursday 10/19/23 from 4-8PM.

A mass will be held at St. Theresa church in Kenilworth on Friday 10/20/23 at 10:30 AM.