Michael W. Ferdinand

February 3rd, 2024

Mike was my cousin. We have not kept in touch for many years. His mother is my first cousin. We were close as children. I last saw him at his grandfather’s 80th Birthday. He was so kind. I will miss him. Condolences to the family

~Susan hoffman
~Cousin, Chicago IL

November 27th, 2023

Mike was my older cousin . He was always so kind and always wanted to know what I was doing, how my family was. We spent so many holidays together, He was always the bright light. He would talk tkk on me about school and teaching , he loved those kids. Then he would talk to my dad. Brothers , and husband about sports. His wedding. to Sharon, was my first wedding I attended! You couldn’t have met 2 more amazing and wonderful people. I am so glad they found each other and created a beautiful family. Love him and miss him.

~Joanne Brottman
~Cousin, Elk Grove

November 27th, 2023

I am sad to hear of Mike Ferdinand’s passing. As a Physical Education teacher at both REAL and Ridgewood high school, I worked with Mike for almost 20 years. He was an inspiring mentor to me, and a patient teacher and coach with his students. He was a little competitive in sports and had a great sense of humor.

One year I tore my ACL in a skiing accident. I needed to exercise to rehab my leg everyday. Mike volunteered to stay after school to play pickleball with me. We played a few times a week for a lot of years. He must have beat me 1000 times! I really improved my game and my leg too. I still play pickleball today-and often think back to those grueling games with Mike. Who knew the sport would become so popular today?

Around school, all the teachers called Mike “Ferdy”. He was very proud of his family-Sharon and his boys. He was a good-hearted, kind man and his students were lucky to have him as their teacher.

I am very grateful I got to know Mike Ferdinand. Rest In Peace Ferdy.

~Karen Lamiot
~Co-worker, Teacher, Chicago, IL

November 27th, 2023

Mike was a wonderful friend and colleague; I will never forget his humor and compassion. When I was a teacher at RHS, Mike’s advice and friendship were true gifts. May his family be comforted knowing that Mike’s reach was far and wide and he was amazing.

~Wally Glogowski
~Ridgewood High School Friend, South Haven, MI

November 25th, 2023

We are saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was dearly loved and admired for his love of his family and his work with young people. We send our love and prayers to you and your family.
Love ,
Sandy and Denny

~Sandy and Denny Hayek
~Cousin, Chesterfield, Mo

November 22nd, 2023

It is with great sadness and grief that we mark the passing of our dear friend Mike. A wonderful friend and family man, over the years our two families shared so many lovely memories and celebrations together. In fact, if it had not been for Sharon and Mike introducing Ed and I we never would have met, married and shared our lives together. Our love and support go to his truly amazing wife Sharon and his beautiful family in whom he took tremendous pride and joy. Rest easy and peacefully now Mike. The world is greatly diminished by your passing.
Always in our hearts,
The Jen Family

~Lucy and Ed Jen
~Family friends, Galena, Missouri

November 22nd, 2023

Sharon and family,
Terry and I send our heartfelt condolences to you. We got to know Mike through Adam and at the wedding. What a good, kind person he was and how he loved sports.
We are so sorry for your loss.

~Gloria and Terry Pogofsky
~In-laws, Glenview IL

November 21st, 2023

We always had fun with anything and anywhere we went in high school.

~Jill Brooker
~Friend, Tucson Az

November 21st, 2023

Mike was my best friend. He was my locker partner at Niles North, and my Best Man at my wedding. We kept in touch and played lots of racket ball together. During covid we spent many lunches at the forest preserve carefully separating our lawn chairs and enjoying our chats and birds. Mike was the kindest person I knew.
I will miss my friend, Mike.

~Allen Feuerstein
~Friend, Lincolnshire

November 21st, 2023

The world just lost a beautiful soul, my BMF from high school, we met 52 years ago and have stayed in touch even though we live far away from each other.

Like it was yesterday, I remember all our discussions and fun times such as our outings to Par-King, going roller skating, drinking Boones Farm wine in his basement, and driving around aimlessly, talking and laughing our butts off. We met on a blind date and even though things didn’t work out romantically, I acquired a lifelong friend.

Every time I have visited the Chicagoland area over the past 15 years, I always met up with Mike or went to visit him at his home. Over the last 6 years, his health deteriorated due to Parkinson’s. His loving wife, Sharon, has been at his side throughout and they were so fortunate to have each other.

I’m going to miss Mike terribly and try to keep those good memories alive and cherish them. Goodbye Mike and someday I hope we will meet again.

~Jill Brooker
~Dear friend, Tucson AZ