Joseph Charles Ferrante, 68, of Mechanicsville, MD, formerly of Hillcrest Heights and Clinton, MD, died November 12, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born March 27, 1943 in Washington D.C.

He was the son of Nicholas Ferrante, Sr. and the late Marie DeCesaris Ferrante.

Mr. Ferrante was the president and owner of Nick's Supermarket. He retired in 2007. Mr. Ferrante attended St. John's College High School, Mount St. Mary's College, University of Maryland, and Strayer Business College. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #8159, Vice President of the Golden Beach Civic Association and was affectionately known as "St. Joseph of the Beach" in the community.

Mr. Ferrante is survived by his father, Nicholas Ferrante, Sr.; wife, Jean Conlon Ferrante; children, Nicholas J. Ferrante (Marcie Vallario-Ferrante), Jean Ferrante Burke (Patrick Burke) and John J. Ferrante (Wendy Dyer-Ferrante); siblings, Marco A. Ferrante, Nicholas Ferrante, Jr., Donna Ferrante Wrenn and Ricardo Ferrante; eight grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6 - 8:00 PM. Prayers will be held at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 10:00am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Helen, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.