David Paul Ferris

David Paul Ferris, 64, US Army LTC (Ret.), passed away on December 23, 2025 after a brief illness. Most recently a resident of Florida, David also resided in New York and North Carolina.

Born June 20, 1961 in White Plains, NY, David was the son of the late Adele Ranieri Ferris and J. David Ferris.

David’s life was defined by a profound commitment to service. Following his graduation from Chenango Valley High School in 1979, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. In 1984, he became a ROTC Cadet at Cornell University while serving in the Army Reserves. Upon earning his Bachelor of Science in 1988, he was commissioned as an Active Duty Officer stationed at Ft. Bragg.

His distinguished military career spanned over two decades and multiple continents. His first deployment was in 1990 to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He also served tours in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Haiti, Qatar and Afghanistan. A graduate of Basic Airborne School and Advanced Airborne, David earned the prestigious title of Jumpmaster. Though he first retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, his sense of duty led him to reactivate twice, serving two additional tours in 2009 and 2012 before his final retirement in 2013.

Throughout his time in the service, David was honored with numerous awards and accolades, including two Bronze Star Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and five Meritorious Service Medals. Additionally, he felt a quiet pride for earning the Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Badge, and the Expert Field Medical Badge.

While in the Army, his passion was teaching with kindness and patience, always making others feel empowered and celebrating small victories. He lived a life of service to our country and service to others in retirement. In civilian life, he found joy in helping others either by the literal sweat of his brow or quietly opening his wallet to someone in need. He never wanted recognition for what he did; his main focus was to help people he loved. David acted out of love and altruism, not out of a desire for applause. His quiet, selfless service throughout his life had a profound impact on those he loved and those who were lucky enough to be called his friends and family.

He was a deeply dedicated uncle. “Uncle David”, often lovingly referred to as “UD”, was always present for his nieces and nephew at whatever event or sport in which they were participating. He provided them with unwavering support and a lifetime of memories.

David is survived by his siblings: Kim Ferris Guarini (Rich), Donald Ferris (Beth), and Jamie Ferris (Melissa); and his beloved nieces and nephew: Laurel, Adele, Grace, Laura, and Daniel. He also leaves behind a large extended family and a “family of the heart” who will miss him dearly.

A graveside committal service with full military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Ludlowville Pine Grove Cemetery in Lansing, NY.

In the indelible words of our brother, uncle, friend, soldier and hero…Show no Fear.