John D. Ferguson, Sr., 91, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Westerly, RI on April 24, 1934, the only child of J. Howard and Adele (Klebart) Ferguson. He spent his formative years in Westerly, RI, surrounded by family and friends. He loved to go shell fishing and golfing. He graduated from Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA where he was a 5-sport athlete. He played golf, football, soccer, basketball (captain) and achieved All-American Honorable Mention in lacrosse.
Upon graduation, John attended the University of New Hampshire. He loved the game of basketball playing varsity as center for all four years and lacrosse, again achieving All-American Honorable Mention in lacrosse. He reminisced that the best part of attending UNH was meeting the love of his life, Marjorie.
They married and started their wonderful adventures together spanning 68 years. At graduation, John was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and was trained as a Radar Weapons Controller.
After his time in the Air Force, (Florida, Georgia, Alaska, Dong Ha, Vietnam and Maine), John and his family moved to Cape Cod, MA. He worked for the New York Life Insurance Company for a time. His adventures continued as he owned and operated several local businesses: The Lock n’ Oar Restaurant in Centerville, MA, the first florist shop in Mashpee, Forget-Me-Not-Florist, Clancy’s Pub in Pocasset, MA, Johnny Junque Antiques and Bee and Thistle Catering. He was a founding member of the Mashpee Concert Committee and enjoyed the summer concerts under the tent. He loved garage sales, auctions and flea markets, always looking for the next ‘find of the day’.
In 1996, when Marjorie was getting close to retirement, they bought a villa in the original patio villages in Rio Ponderosa in the Villages in Florida. John enjoyed golf and the occasional poker game.
John is survived by his wife, Marjorie (Foss) Ferguson, 87. He was the wonderful father to Elizabeth York and her husband, Duncan, Kristen Ferguson and John D. Ferguson, Jr. He was the ‘Bumpa’ to his six grandchildren: David Joshua Rivera (Shailey), Jesse Rivera, Adam Rivera (Kaitlyn), Madison Kretsch-York (Cileah), John Mark Ferguson and Kelcie Ferguson along with several great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents and son, Mark Foss Ferguson.
At his request, there will be no services. Interment will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Judes Hospital.