Farris Ferris Debs

Farris "Ferris" Debs, 96 years young, was called home on August 15, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and the angelic staff of High Pointe House.

Ferris' journey began in 1922, born in Lawrence to Lebanese immigrants, Nicholas and Effy (Habib) Debs. He attended Lawrence schools. Ferris entered World War II with the U.S. Army and where served his country proudly. He transported field artillery, military personnel, and was an ambulance driver. Ferris was awarded the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the EAMW Service Medal.

After the Army, he worked for and traveled on the Santa Fe Railroad. Upon returning to Lawrence, he worked at Malden Mills until his retirement.

Ferris was given the nickname, "The Mayor," as he would be seen walking around with a cigar in his mouth, thus looking like a Mayor!

Ferris resided in his family home for 60 years with his beloved sister and caregiver, Roberta (Bobbie) and brother-in-law, Edmund (Eddie Mann) Mansor. He summered with them at Salisbury Beach, winter vacationed with them at Light House Cove in Pompano Beach, Florida, and took frequent jaunts to Foxwoods.

Ferris leaves behind his niece/daughter/caregiver Paula Mansor-Laliberte and her husband, Stephen Laliberte. In his retirement Ferris would accompany Paula to the Boston Flower Exchange to purchase flowers for Lit'il Bit Of Everything Florist. Stephen was his BEST FRIEND and took him everywhere.

Other household family members include great-nephews, Jarred Laliberte who was his beach house roommate for 20 years and Stephen Edmund Laliberte who was his "baby." Ferris would attend every event in his life. He as enjoyed his little buddy Nevaeh Laliberte and a very loyal companion and family dog, Sierra.

He is also survived by his beloved brother, Edmund Debs; and dedicated family friend, Billie Sue Burns; and brother-in-law and cigar smoking pal, Alfred DelPozzo; loving nephews, Robert DelPozzo, Stephen Debs, David/Linda DelPozzo; great-nieces Jennifer and Jack Keefe, Nicholas and Christina DelPpozzo; and many cousins also survived him.
Ferris was predeceased by siblings, Shakeeb (Joe) Debs, Margaret Nordseth, and Yvonne DelPozzo.

His extended family includes the Mansors, Letourneaus, Salisbury and Light House Cove Crew and neighbors, the Roberge and Angelone Families.

As they say it takes a village. His village of Drs. Oleksandr Stupnytski, Steven Previte and Pierre Chahraban kept Ferris with us for so long.
He was a member of St. Joseph Melikte Church in Lawrence, and was blessed and prayed for several times this week by Father Ziad Layous and Father Mark Melone.

His family wishes to thank Elder Services, Merrimack Valley Hospice and High Point House for his recent and unexpected stay.

The Sisters and Staff of Presentation of Mary have been very kind to Ferris. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Presentation of Mary Academy, ATTN: Advancement Office, 209 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA 01844.

A funeral service will be offered Thursday, August 22, 2019, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Melkite Church, 241 Hampshire St., Lawrence, MA. Burial will follow at United Lebanese Cemetery in Lawrence.
Friends may call Wednesday, August 21, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Farrah Funeral Home, 133 Lawrence St., Lawrence, MA 01841.