Dennis Danillo Ferrari, 76, of Centralia, passed peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis was born in Centralia, IL, on March 7, 1949, the son of Danillo Ferrari and Ellen Emma (Cizick) Ferrari. He married the love of his life, Brenda Hawkins, on July 4, 1969, in Texico, IL, and she preceded him in death on February 23, 2025, after 56 years of marriage. His heart was broken after Brenda’s passing, but we are now thankful for the assurance that they are together again.
A beloved father, grandfather, and brother, Dennis is survived by his devoted daughters Lori Stinde and special friend Jerry Hughes of Lake Station, IN, Beth Pantak and husband Steve of Centralia, and Amanda Biagi and husband Matt of Salem. His adored grandchildren, Hayden Biagi and special friend Larisa Carpenter, Miah Williams and husband JaVon, Adyson Pantak and special friend Brett Page, Phoenix Pantak, and Raven Pantak. Dennis also leaves behind his sister, Margaret Spears (Allen) of Centralia, and a brother, Carl Ferrari (Janis) of Centralia, as well as his sister-in-law, Vicki Ferrari of Colorado, and brother-in-law, Rick Anglen (Marty) of Indiana. He is also fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Danillo and Ellen Emma Ferrari, and one brother, Michael Ferrari, and one sister, Josephine Anglen.
Dennis enjoyed spending time with his family and was so proud to watch them grow into the wonderful people they are today.
He attended Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia, where his belief in Jesus Christ provided him strength and comfort, knowing that one day he would be healed, and now by God’s grace, he has been made new. He worked for the Illinois Central/ Canadian National Railroad as a carman welder. He enjoyed mowing grass and going to eat with his buddies every Wednesday morning at Bonnie’s Cafe. His highlight of the weekend was going to eat every Sunday morning with his daughter and her family at the Pancake House in Centralia after his wife Brenda’s passing.
Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating Dennis’s life on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:00 am at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Anthony Sweeney officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia.
In memory of Dennis, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, ensuring his legacy of giving endures. They will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore St. in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Ferrari Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and on the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Dennis will be deeply missed, but remains forever in the hearts of those he touched, his spirit renewed by God’s grace. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
