Ferde Rombola Obituary

Ferde Rombola, born on June 24, 1937, in Syracuse, New York, returned to his eternal home on July 4, 2025, after an extended illness. He was 88 years old.
He was raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, the son of Ida (Lewis) and Frank Rombola. A proud graduate of Norwood High School, Class of 1955, he went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959.
Following his military service, he found his voice-literally and figuratively-as a radio DJ in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Hartford, Connecticut. But it was his first acting role at Priscilla Beach Theatre in Plymouth, Massachusetts, that truly changed the course of his life. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for the stage and led him to New York City in the mid 1960's to pursue an acting career.
Over the next several decades, he worked steadily as an actor, performing in New York and in summer stock productions throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. His notable credits include the original Broadway cast of Indians, The White Devil at Circle in the Square, Henry V and The Taming of the Shrew with the New York Shakespeare Festival, and Are You Now or Have You Ever Been at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Along the way, he formed many enduring friendships with fellow artists who cherished his loyalty, wit, and spirit.
In 1974, while performing in That Championship Season at Stage/West in Springfield, Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, Heidi (Mefford). They married soon after, and with the birth of their daughter Jenean in 1976, relocated to Los Angeles, where he continued his acting career and expanded into writing both plays and screenplays, and became an active member of the Writers Guild of America. Among his written works was his self-published book, The Book on Bookmaking.
Later in life, he embarked on a successful second or perhaps third career as a paralegal. Drawing on his sharp intellect, love of language, and deep sense of justice, he thrived in this new role, bringing the same passion and diligence to the legal field that he had brought to the stage.
The true foundation of Ferde's life was his Catholic faith and his unwavering love for his family.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Heidi; his beloved daughters, Jenean and her husband Paolo and Elaine and her husband Frank; and his cherished grandchildren, Lorenzo, Geo, Serafina, and Ida, of whom he was immensely proud. Ferde spoke glowingly and with deep pride about his family at every opportunity, his love for them was evident in his words, his actions, and the way he lived his life. He considered his sons-in-law, Paolo and Frank, as his own sons, and welcomed his daughters' closest friends as part of the family, treating them as daughters in every sense of the word.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ida and Frank, and his brother, Edward.
Ferde will be remembered by his friends and family as passionate and loyal, someone who could always be counted on, no matter what the need or situation. His fiery personality and deep convictions were hallmarks of his vibrant presence.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church, 253 Cabot St. Beverly on Tuesday, July 15th at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at Saint Mary Star of the Sea, on Tuesday, July 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Saint Mary Cemetery. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
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