The South Hills community of Broughton commemorated the life of a local hero today. The volunteer fire department laid to rest 96-year-old Joe Ferrelli, its former chief and decorated World War II veteran.
Friends gathered to celebrate Joe’s life Tuesday, and what a life it was. It was one that merited the 96-year-old former soldier a flag-draped casket for heroism in World War II and a procession of fire engines.
“Just a lovely man who loved his family, loved his community, who sought to serve as much as he could serve,” said Broughton Fire Department Chaplain Jude Urso.
Serving under General George Patton in Europe during the Great War, Joe was corporal in the engineering division, building bridges for troops across France and Germany and was decorated five times for heroism, receiving five Bronze Stars.