Decide for Yourself
By Suzanne Ferrio
Recently I was made aware of
some claims on the CCA website referring to Tom Ferrio as “rich”, “elite” and “out
of touch with the masses” because of the photo he posted in preparation for the
upcoming campaign (I love that photo!).
Tom isn’t aware that I am writing this, but I really wanted people to
understand the Tom that I have known over 24 years of marriage.
Tom is second generation Italian and we were there visiting some relatives and doing a little genealogy research. The photo was taken at a lovely four room B&B where we stayed on part of our trip. We used air miles for our flight. We visited the jet-setting villages of Cuorgne, Pratiglione and Pont Canavesse and had a wonderful trip.
Tom & His Dad on the Farm |
Tom grew up on a small
family-run farm in Michigan . By the time he was seven, he was already
driving the farm truck while his parents loaded the potatoes from the
field.
He knows the literal meaning of “a long row to hoe” which was a chore he and his mom performed while his dad worked another job to help support the family.
He knows the literal meaning of “a long row to hoe” which was a chore he and his mom performed while his dad worked another job to help support the family.
He can operate tractors. He
knows how to clean out a chicken coop in the spring after a long Michigan
winter and harbors a dislike of chickens to this day, no doubt due to those
many hours he spent in their presence.
He spent his after-school hours
and summers working on the farm right up through college. His parents (ages 85
& 89), while not actively farming, still live on the farm where Tom grew
up.
His educational journey
actually began in a one-room schoolhouse with 18 other students, K-8. He graduated from Michigan State
with a BS in Electrical Engineering and later attended Texas Tech (thanks to
Texas Instruments’ work study program) where he received his MBA.
He was recruited at Michigan State and upon graduation immediately
started working for Texas Instruments which led to his 30-year career. He started at the bottom and worked his way
up eventually becoming a Vice President.
Much of his career was focused on educational products and he has a deep
commitment to educating our future generations.
Extra note: To anyone who had to buy a TI
graphing calculator for either themselves or their children – Tom was one of
the team of people who developed that product and promoted the advancement of
math education in the schools.
Both Tom and I are well aware
that we are very fortunate to be where we are in life and living in Charlestown in a lovely
home. But it has been a result of hard
work and determination. We have been
able to live the American dream.
But Tom has never forgotten
his roots and is very aware that in today’s world not everyone is able to
realize that dream. Because of that
awareness, upon his retirement Tom felt it was time for him to give back to
others who are struggling and less fortunate – a reflection of the values he
learned as a boy on his parents’ farm.
He volunteered with Habitat
for Humanity in Garland , Texas .
There he became one of the core team of builders and served on the
Family Selection Committee. He worked
side by side with Ethiopian immigrants, Hispanic families and many others
hoping to achieve their dream of a decent, affordable home for their family.
Upon the move to Rhode Island , he really
wanted to get involved with the community.
So, the first thing he volunteered for was the Charlestown-Richmond Fire
Department. He actually put in his
application before we had even moved into our home.
His commitment to the fire
department goes beyond marching in parades.
He is one of the drivers on fire calls, anytime day or night. He works the doughboy booth at the Washington
County Fair. He shovels the paths during
snowstorms. He does equipment testing
twice a month. Many of these things he
is not required to do – he chooses to do them.
Other volunteer activities he
is engaged in also reflect his commitment to community, the environment and
education. They include: President of the Charlestown-Richmond Fire
Association, URI Watershed Watch, Save the Bay/South County Coastkeeper advisory committee, Charlestown Wastewater Management Commission, and the Charlestown Historical Society.
He sits on several boards
including a non-profit devoted to math education. Tom has also supported other local
non-profits with his personal time by helping them set up their websites,
always refusing payment.
Rich? Not really.
We are comfortable, but we certainly cannot afford more than one home
nor could we afford a million-dollar home by the beach. Tom does have a sports car – a 10-year-old
Honda and there are no plans to replace it with a Porsche, classic or otherwise. The rest of the time he drives a 12-year-old
Jeep.
Elite? Tom shows every day that he doesn’t consider
himself elite through his diversity of friends, respect for people of all walks
in life and the causes he supports.
Don’t just take my word on
what I have written. I could be making
it all up. Talk to people who know Tom
and have spent time with him. Meet and
talk to Tom. Ask him questions. Get to know him. Find out where he stands on the issues and
concerns that are important to you.
Then you can make your own mind
up regarding his character and commitment to Charlestown .