Lawrence W. "Bear Jr." Ferrari

Age 83 of Campus, Illinois and formerly of Coal City, South Wilmington/East Brooklyn, died peacefully with his wife at his side on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Arcadia Care of Morris.

Born August 27, 1941, in Joliet, Illinois, Larry was the son of Silvio and Madalyn (Pohl) Ferrari. He was raised in Coal City, attended Coal City schools, and one year at Joliet Catholic High School.

In 1965, Larry married JoAnn Dsida, and they had one daughter, Lorie. JoAnn preceded him in death. Later in life, he married Joyce Bastin in December 1991. They remained married for 33 years.

Larry was an exceptional hardworker and spent his career working as a carpenter. He was contracted by Stepan Chemical, crop farmed, and also sold firearms and ammunition. He was known for his interest in stock car racing and enjoyed talking with others about it.

He will be remembered as one who never knew a stranger, and maintained a strong interest in hands-on, practical work.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; daughter Lorie (Tracy) Natyshok; granchildren: Taylor Natyshok (Brodie Harvey) and Nathan Natyshok (Gabrielle Mascolo); nephews: Edward (Pam) Orolin, Philip (Lisa) Bertoglio and Alan Bertoglio; niece, Lisa Bertoglio, cousins: Marion (Nichole) Ferrari, Joey (Donna) Ferrari, Bill (Carol) Pohl, Carl (Sherry) Pohl, and Melissa (Don) Phillips; and one sister-in-law, Charlene Orolin.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, JoAnn; favorite aunt and uncle, Willy and Rita Pohl, his sister-in-law, Wanda Bertoglio, and his long time friend, Charles "Bum" Bumgardner.

A private visitation was held at Reeves Funeral Home in Coal City, and a Mass of Christian Burial followed at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City. Rev. Josh Miller presided and Larry was laid to rest in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be: Marion Ferrari, Tracy Natyshok, Nathan Natyshok, Edward Orolin, Joel Funk, Billy Pohl, Joey Ferrari, and Billy Endrst.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Larry’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815-634-2125)