Jonesboro- Dr. Robert L. "Bob" Ferralasco passed away on January 16, 2024 at NEA Baptist Hospital at the age of 98. He was born October 19, 1925 in Haskell, New Jersey, to Anthony P. and Alice Morando Ferralasco.

He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 46 years, Gloria Haynie Ferralasco and his sister, Theresa Ferralasco Smith White.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Brenda Gordon Ferralasco of the home; his daughters, Betty Moad of Jonesboro, and Nancy (Don) Taylor of Byhalia, MS; grandchildren, Michael (Stacy) Davidson of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Christen (Devin) Gray of El Paso, TX, and Chris (Isabel) Taylor of Mt. Pleasant, MS; great grandchildren,Aiden and Emma Davidson; niece, Kathleen Smith Guariglia of Powder Springs, GA and nephews Fred Smith of Texas and Bob Smith of Alabama. He is also survived by close cousins, Richard Traverso and Joseph Negrini of New Jersey.

He graduated from Butler, New Jersey High School at age 16 and worked making magnesium powder for bombs and bullets. After 14 months in the Ro-Tab department, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard in 1943. Following three years of service in Port Security in New York Harbor, he enrolled in Arkansas State College in 1946. At the end of the war, he was the last Guardsman to be mustered out of his duty station. He came to Jonesboro to enroll in then Arkansas State College. There he met Gloria Haynie, who he later married.

He earned a B.S degree in 1949. He went on to earn his master's degree in business education from New York University. He was a Kellogg Fellow from 1959-61, earning his doctorate at the University of Arkansas. He retired as professor of administrative service and chair of Computer Information Services and Administrative Services in 1989 after 37 years. Before beginning his teaching career at ASU, he taught at Harrisburg and Lepanto High Schools.

Bob was a major contributor to the growth and development of ASU through three decades of change. He worked for curricula leading to certification and endorsements on a state and national level. He aided the development of several masters' programs at ASU including business education, computer information systems and the specialist in community college teaching. He was active with Sigma Pi fraternity (of which he was a charter member and later the faculty advisor).

Although forever an Indian, he embraced the Red Wolves and cheered them on loyally and relentlessly from the beginning of his time at ASC and then ASU. He rarely missed a football or basketball game. He was a member of the Letterman's Club Hall of Honor and was an active member of the Indian Club and the Red Wolf Club. Bob had only missed three Homecoming games since coming to ASC/ASU in 1946 all due to furthering his education. He was also a proud member of the ASU Alumni Association. In 2000, he was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus. One of his proudest moments. Bob joined the Kays Foundation board on May 2, 1996 after being personally invited by V. H. "Buddy" Kays to serve. He served as Secretary of the Board as well as an Executive Officer of the Board from December 1, 2015 until he relinquished his position upon retirement on January 2, 2018. He served on the Grants Committee and on the Board Membership Committee (select new members). He served on the Investment Policy Committee from 2014 until his retirement in 2018.

He proudly served his community as a member of the Jaycees, first president of the Hillcrest Elementary PTA, president and concession stand manager of the Jonesboro High School Band Boosters. He was a charter member of the University Heights Lions Club and still regularly attended meetings of the Downtown Lions Club. Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro.

For lasting memorials, please consider the Ferralasco Scholarship, Arkansas State University, P O Box 1990, State University, AR 72467.

A graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Holy Cross Cemetery with Rev. John Miles II officiating under the direction of Gregg- Langford Bookout Funeral Home.