Frank J. Ferry, Esquire, 95, of Atlantic City, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Born on August 27, 1929, Frank was a proud lifelong native of Atlantic City. He graduated from Holy Spirit High School, Ursinus College, and Georgetown Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.
Ferry served on the Atlantic City Beach Patrol.
Between college and law school, he served honorably in the United States Navy.
Frank began his legal career in 1957 when he was admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the United States Tax Court, and all state and federal courts in New Jersey.
He was appointed as a prosecutor by the U.S. Department of Justice and assigned to Camden, NJ, where he led both the civil and criminal divisions of the South Jersey federal district and served as Chief Trial Attorney.
He also served as City Solicitor for Ventnor.
In 1962, Frank became a partner in the law firm of Farley, Frederick, and Ferry, working alongside the powerful New Jersey State Senator Frank S. “Hap” Farley. He built a robust estate planning and real estate practice and remained passionately committed to the law — continuing to work in the office as recently as February of this year.
Frank was deeply involved in the legal community and was an active figure in civic life.
Frank was also the longtime attorney and confidant for Jean Farley who was the foundress of Jean E Farley Realty and sister to Frank “Hap” Farley and later counselor to Farley and Ferry Realty until his last days.
He represented St. Leonards Tract Association of Ventnor for decades.
Nucky: The Real Story of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Boss
Later in life, Frank turned his passion for local history into writing. After 13 years of research, he published Nucky: The Real Story of Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Boss in 2013.
He also completed two more books: The Pictorial Life of Nucky Johnson and a heartfelt biography on his longtime colleague and friend, Senator Frank S. “Hap” Farley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 30, at 11a at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 1409 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City.
Burial will be private at Laurel Memorial Park Cemetery, Egg Harbor Twp.
Great article. He left behind quite a legacy.