Ferrante, 53, remembered for kindness, grace

By Ethan Forman

» Staff Writer

State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucest e r, who called herself a legislator of fishermen and farmers, died early Thanksgiving morning after a five-year struggle with pancreatic cancer.

She was 53. Ferrante came from a humble downtown immigrant family of a fisherman father and a school librarian mother to become one of the most influential lawmakers on Beacon Hill.

The Gloucester native, who had represented the 5th Essex District since 2009, rose to become vice chair of the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means.

Mayor Greg Verga ordered all flags in the city lowered to half-staff out in her honor.

Ferrante worked on demanding legislative matters such as the state budget all while managing chemotherapy infusions at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and advocating for policies for cancer patients like herself. She was diagnosed in January 2021 at age 49 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just last month, the first-generation American returned to Sicily to visit with family and officials there. It was the first time she had been back in 28 years. Her father, a native of Sicily and retired fisherman, Joseph G. Ferrante, died in November 2024 just shy of his 83rd birthday.

“At the end of the day, when all is said and done, for me and this community, it’s about the people,” Ferrante said during an August 2022 interview after speaking to seniors at a cookout at Stage Fort Park during a successful run for reelection that year.

“She will be remembered not only for her role as vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee,” said her close colleague in the Legislature, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, “and for her many legislative achievements, but also for her kindness, her grace in the face of adversity, and her remarkable ability to lift others even while carrying her own burdens.”

“First elected to the Legislature in 2008, Ann-Margaret dedicated her legislative career to ensuring that Cape Ann always had a seat at the table in legislative matters; always focused on our fishermen, jobs and economic development, and helping those in need,” read a statement from her office announcing her passing.

“ Driven by her faith and her focus on community, Ann-Margaret lived to embody the social gospel of Matthew: ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me,’” the statement said.

Ferrante’s legacy

Ferrante’s legacy includes championing the establishment of Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Inc. and Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, bringing the Imagination Library to Cape Ann’s children, expanding The Open Door food pantry, and “her focus on giving the people of Cape Ann and the Commonwealth new opportunities, and much more,” the statement said.

A gasp went up in a room outside the kitchen at The Open Door as American Legion Post 3 Commander Peter Favazza III, a friend of Ferrante’s, broke the news of her death to volunteers gathered to help the assemble a Thanksgiving meal for delivery to those in need. He asked for a moment of silence.

Favazza said Ferrante was a year behind him in school and they had first met at what is now the O’Maley Innovation Middle School.

“She stood out then and I think it’s fair to say we all knew that she was (destined for) big things,” Favazza said. He said her accomplishments continued even after she was diagnosed.

“She just kept going. That’s the Ann-Margaret that I know. That’s the one I’m going to miss,” he said.

Top state elected officials from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem, to Gov. Maura Healey, to Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and many local leaders extended their condolences and paid tribute to Ferrante’s dedication, love and drive to help the people not only of Gloucester and Cape Ann but of the commonwealth.

Tarr, also a Gloucester native with deep roots in the seaport, worked hand-inhand with Ferrante across the aisle.

“For me, this loss is profoundly personal,” he said. “Ann-Margaret was not only a trusted legislative partner, but also a cherished friend — someone my family and I considered part of our own.”

Ferrante, a 1990 graduate of Gloucester High who graduated from Tufts University where she majored in economics and international relations, had once worked as Tarr’s intern and then as his aide as she got her start in politics.

She went on to earn a law degree from Suffolk University Law School, in part she said in 2022, because working for Tarr and coming from a fisherman’s family, she had seen what she called were “the legal abuses that the U.S. government was putting on our fishermen.”

Tarr’s and Ferrante’s close working relationship on Beacon Hill for Cape Ann residents was founded on their friendship and they were in lockstep when it came to working on issues of concern to the community.

“Even as she faced a difficult and relentless battle with cancer,” Tarr said, “she met each day with purpose, determination, and an unwavering focus on what truly mattered. That resilience inspired all of us who had the honor to serve alongside her.”

A “heartbroken” Healey said Ferrante inspired others with her resilience and bravery during her cancer battle. She said she would miss Ferrante’s humor, guidance, passion and, most of all, her friendship.

“The proud daughter and granddaughter of Gloucester fishermen,” Healey said, “Ann-Margaret was a fierce champion for the people of Cape Ann for more than 15 years, always advocating for our fishermen, making Gloucester a hub for marine biotechnology, and investing in vocational training to set students and local businesses up for success.

“She was guided by her deep faith, and everything she did was to help others,” Healey said. “She was one of the most selfless people I know, and there was no one more loyal to her friends, family and the constituents she served.”

Driscoll, the former Salem mayor who knew Ferrante for many years, described Ferrante as “a true daughter of Gloucester. In fact, Ann-Margaret was Gloucester.

“ Her leadership was marked by integrity, compassion and an unwavering belief in the potential of her community,” Driscoll said. “Across the commonwealth, colleagues knew her as a thoughtful policymaker and a determined advocate. But to Gloucester, she was something even more: she was a champion, a protector and a constant source of pride.”

Ferrante was elected in 2008, having unseated longtime state Rep. Anthony “Tony” Verga in the Democratic primary that year.

Verga’s son, outgoing Mayor Verga, worked closely with Ferrante over the years.

“Ann-Margaret was a true champion for our city,” Verga said, “and her impact will be felt for generations. It has been a real honor working alongside her over the past several years. Witnessing her strength as she represented us at the Statehouse while quietly battling cancer is something I have the utmost respect for. She was a fierce advocate for Gloucester — from our waterfront industry to economic development and education. I am grateful to have known her and to have worked with her.”

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ann-Margaret Ferrante,” said Moulton. “She was a dear friend, an accomplished legislator, and a champion for the people of Cape Ann. Ann-Margaret led with compassion, integrity, and a profound belief in the dignity of every person she represented.”

“Ann-Margaret was more than just a legislator or a boss to those of us who worked for her. She was a true friend and mentor,” said Dru Tarr, Ferrante’s research and district director. “Every day with her was a lesson in how to serve your community.”

Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@northofboston.com.

Ann-Margaret Ferrante