WorldWide Drilling Resource

In Memoriam Ronald J. “Ron” Ravizza Ronald J. “Ron” Ravizza, 79, of Berlin, Connecticut, passed away April 29, 2017. Born in New Britain, he was a lifelong Berlin resident. After graduating high school in 1955, he served with the 103rd Fighter Group of the Connecticut National Guard. He founded Ravizza Brothers Blasting of Berlin and Cromwell with his father and served as president of the com- pany. Amember and past president of the New England Chapter of the Society of Explosive Engineers, Ron was also a member of St. Paul Church and the Connecticut Boxing Guild. He was an avid UCONN basketball and New England Patriots fan, but enjoyed horse racing the most. Ron is survived by his wife Christine, daughter Kendra, granddaughter Amber, great-grandson Kevin, brother Alvin (Nancy), and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his son Kevin. Mike A. Ferrio (1915~2017) The Michigan Ground Water Association advised WWDR of the passing of Honorary Member Mike A. Ferrio on May 12, 2017. He was an astounding 101 years old. Born in 1915, Mike grew up at a time when there were no telephones, electricity, nor indoor plumbing. A childhood eye injury kept him from the military, so he worked on his father’s farm while his brothers fought in World War II. Mike married Dawn in 1942. He worked as a coal miner for six years, then farmed while he went into the water well drilling business, which he did for over 55 years. After joining the Michigan Well Drillers Association in 1945, he served 18 years on the Board of Directors, 3 years as treasurer, and 4 years as president, retiring from the association with an honorary lifetime membership. Mike was on the local school board for many years, along with the town’s planning and zoning board. He enjoyed sports, playing golf and bowling. He was an avid fisherman, teaching his grandsons to enjoy fishing as much as he did. He always maintained the time he spent fishing did not count against his life span. For over 50 years, he played cards in a club. Mike is survived by his daughters Karen (James), Susan, and Casey (Mike); grandsons Jeff (Nancy), Christopher (Kristen), Adam (Jenna), and David; nine great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife Karen who passed in 2006, after 64 years of marriage. The management and staff of WWDR extend their condolences to Ron and Mike’s family and friends. Lest we forget... 21 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JULY 2017