Ferdinand 'Ferd' Comolli, chemical engineer
Ferdinand “Ferd” Mark Comolli, 92, of Bethany Beach, formerly of Kennett Square, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home Friday, May 27, 2016.
Ferd, born in Nashua, N.H., and was the valedictorian of his high school class in Westerly, R.I. He then graduated third in his class in chemical engineering from the University of Rhode Island.
Ferd proudly enlisted Dec. 7, 1942, deferring until post-graduation. Pilot training included the Dover base, from which he often soared over the Atlantic Ocean coastline, including Bethany Beach. He flew 73 missions in his P-47D Thunderbolt with the 406th Fighter Squadron, and is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary bravery and leadership under enemy fire during World War II.
Ferd retired from Dupont in 1983 as a chemical engineer supervisor. He then opened a consulting firm called Avoid Impending Disasters (AID) designed for chemical and refinery companies, from which he retired at the age of 75.
Ferd was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of St. Ann Catholic Church. Until the time of his death, Ferd served as the treasurer of the Southern Sussex Rotary Club, where his expertise, attention to detail and wisdom remain highly valued.
Ferd was deeply devoted to his wife of 65 years, Annetta (nee) Brady. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He taught his family to love the outdoors and to know they can achieve anything. His love, compassion, empathy and generosity will live on in all his family members. He was well-known in the area for his jewelry making and for being a generous man. He was a past scout leader and was proud to have his three sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout while also mentoring other young men to Eagle Scout ranking throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved Annetta in 2013; two daughters, Cathleen Marie and Patricia Ann Comolli; a brother, Alfred Comolli; and a sister, Marion Rizzardini. He is survived by three sons, Mark (Diane) Comolli, John (Karen) Comolli and Dave (Amy) Comolli; a daughter, MaryAnn O’Donnell and her husband Alan Currie; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Comolli; and many adoring nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, at the Ocean View chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 1, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 2, at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 460 N. Union St., Kennett Square.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ferd’s name to the MS Society by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org, or to Fort Miles Historical Association by visiting www.fortmilesha.org or through the mail at 120 East Wild Rabbit Run, Lewes, DE 19958.
Online condolences may be sent to by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
