Anthony Victor Ferrara, 61, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2013, after a battle with cancer. Memorial visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church 1357 NE 42nd Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64116, where the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m.

Anthony was born, March 13, 1952, in Kansas City, MO, son of Victor and Leonore (Fontana) Ferrara. He was a 1969 graduate of De La Salle High School and also attended Rockhurst College and UMKC. He served 6 years in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1976 as a Sergeant. Upon his return home from the Air Force, Anthony went to work for his uncle, Victor Fontana, and managed several of Fontana's establishments where he learned the restaurant business and became an accomplished chef. In 1989, as Executive Chef, he opened Garozzo's Restaurante with Mike Garozzo. He then went on to open two of his own restaurants called Tony Ferrara's in Overland Park. Anthony was married in 1986 to Barbara Hamilton of Leavenworth, KS. They were married 20 years and had three sons together.

Survivors include his sons, Gino Michael Ferrara, Anthony Michael Ferrara and Dominic Victor Ferrara; his parents, Victor and Leonore Ferrara; his sister, Cathy Scimeca (Nick); his brother-in-law, Dennis P. Hogan III; and several nieces and nephews. Anthony also had a very special relationship with Kim Barnhart whom he had been with the last year prior to his death. Anthony was preceded in death by his sister, Marianne (Ferrara) Hogan, in 2008.

Helping his son's succeed was a priority in Anthony's life. Cards and memorials received will be used towards the Ferrara boys' college education, and may be sent to The Ferrara Family c/o Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124.

Online condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.