Mayor Daniel Knapik characterized Ferst as “a legend and a giant in Westfield.
This is an updated version of a story posted at 3 this afternoon.
Westfield philanthropist Albert F. Ferst greets a Girl Scout Thursday during Daisy Girl Scout Troop 11405's Christmas caroling trip to Reed's Landing retirement complex in Springfield, where Ferst lived. He died on Friday.WESTFIELD – Albert F. and Amelia ‘Millie’ A. Ferst dedicated themselves to children and making their lives better through philanthropic initiatives, most notably, the $6 million Amelia Park ice skating arena and adjacent Amelia Garden.
Albert Ferst, 92, died Friday morning at Reeds Landing in Springfield. Amelia Ferst died in 1997.
“The park was his greatest and proudest achievement,” Barbara H. Braem-Jensen, a longtime friend, said of Albert Ferst. “It was just so special to him,” she added.
Ferst’s passing was called a “great loss to the city of Westfield” by everyone who knew him. Both have left an enormous legacy that Westfield will benefit from generations to come, from the Amelia Park complex off South Broad Street that supports Amelia Ice Rink, Children’s Museum, Amelia Park Garden, the Albert and Amelia Ferst Boys and Girls Club and an outdoor skateboard park to the Interfaith Center on the campus of Westfield State University and Samaritan Inn homeless shelter on Free Street.
“Between Al and Millie, they did more for Westfield, especially the kids, than any other individual,” former Mayor Richard K. Sullivan said. “Al’s first love was Millie but his second was Westfield,” he said.
Braem-Jensen described Ferst as “a legend in his own time. His death is a huge loss for me, the community and all the rest who cared about him. His inspiration came from his wife and the great love he had for her.”
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik characterized Ferst as “a legend and a giant in Westfield. This city is much better off because of his presence.
“It is a real sad day in Westfield,” Knapik said.
State Sen. Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, said “as sad a day it is, we know that Al is now with the love of his life Millie.”
“Al Ferst gave a new meaning to philanthropy,” Sullivan said. “He touched generations of kids here and will continue to do so,” he added.
“He was a long time supporter of youth teams and youth programs and he and Millie have left a legacy that will benefit Westfield forever,” former mayor Sullivan said.
“Westfield has lost a philanthropist of the highest caliber,” Sen. Knapik said. “He was a stellar citizen. He was a local boy done good, created a great business and then giving back to his community.” In 1952 Ferst and his wife purchased Camfour Inc., a wholesale sporting goods company, here and later sold it.
David A. Amanti, a close friend, regarded Ferst as “a teacher, mentor, philanthropist...someone who our generation tries to emulate. Al taught us that monetary value means nothing. He wanted to be able to share his good fortune.”
Amanti said today should be a happy day. “Al got his wish. Al is where he wants to be - with Millie.”
Boys and Girls Club director William R. Parks said “the Boys and Girls Club has lost a great friend. The city and all the charities he was involved in have lost a great friend.”
City Council member Brent B. Bean II, who served on the Amelia Park board of directors, called Ferst “a man dedicated to the city of Westfield. He was extremely kind and just a generous person.”
One thing Ferst became to be known for in at least the last 10 years was his gift giving to children at every function he attended. It started with passing out sliver dollars, then gold coins, Beanie Babies, and most recently $2 bills in certificate folders.
In 2000 when he was honored with the William Pynchon Award because of distinguished public service. In 2005 when he was inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of fame because of his creation of Amelia Park ice arena which many called the ‘Taj Mahal’ of ice rinks.
Ferst leaves a son Bradley A. Ferst of Dallas Tx., a daughter Patricia f. Kanzinger and her husband Russ of Wilbraham, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a son Jeffrey A. Ferst, three brothers, Julius, William and Henry Ferst and a sister Helen Laxton.
The funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 60 Broad St., Westfield. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery and will be private. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Albert and Amelia Ferst Charitable Foundation, in care of Berkshire Bank, 31 Court St., Westfield, Ma. 01085 or the Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad St., Westfield.
Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St., Westfield is handling the of arrangements.