Few names have become as synonymous with the town of Fountain Hills as Frank Ferrara, who now joins the likes of Wally Nichols and Keith McMahon in leaving the community in better shape than they found it. Ferrara passed away Sept. 19, with services scheduled for tomorrow, Sept. 28, at Church of the Ascension.

Before coming to Fountain Hills back in 1993, Ferrara served with the federal Department of Defense/Department of the Army. He quickly applied his expertise to his new hometown, joining the Chamber of Commerce. He went on to serve two terms as the Chamber’s president before being appointed executive director in 1998.

In these positions, Ferrara helped guide the Chamber through troubled waters. He helped grow membership six-fold and was instrumental in not only building the Chamber’s home at the corner of N. Verde River Dr. and Palisades Blvd., but worked to pay off the mortgage in short order. A photo of Ferrara lighting said mortgage on fire actually ran in The Times.

At long last, Ferrara found his way to a full retirement in 2015, stepping away from a job well done and taking some much-deserved time to get in some relaxation and extra time with family.

Frank Ferrara left his mark on Fountain Hills, and he will be missed.