Craig James Ferris

Craig, affectionally known by his friends as “Ferris,” passed away at his home in Hailey, Idaho on November 22nd, 2025.

Born on November 11, 1967 to David and Nancy (Basilici) Ferris in Norwood, Massachusetts, Ferris was raised primarily by his grandparents, James and Ann Basilici, whom he was very close with.

Ferris graduated from Walpole High School in 1985 and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1989 with a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also briefly attended the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Utah. He had a deep drive to serve others in meaningful ways and was an EMT in his younger years, all the while dreaming of being a firefighter.

As most of us know, Ferris endured a lot of chronic and debilitating physical pain in his lifetime. However, he persevered through it and was constantly doing his own research, consulting with doctors around the globe, and educating himself on the latest treatments and therapies. It was a long journey that he could've written a book about. He had much success and eventually got back to an active lifestyle.

It was Ferris’ love for the outdoors, adventure and freedom that led him out west to Salt Lake City and beyond. He continued his engineering career all the while, beginning at Texas Instruments in New England, landing at Korry Electronics in Seattle and finally contributing as a Senior Engineer in new product development at Orflo Technologies in Sun Valley, Idaho.

He was passionate about mountain biking and skiing, and could often be found on the gorgeous trails and mountains of Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Idaho playing with old friends and making new ones along the way. If he was inside, he was not far from a stationary bike training for his next chance to get outside. Another activity close to his heart was sailing. Ferris was an ardent sailor and spent time on both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. When he lived in Seattle, he earned his Captain’s license and was a member of the local Sailing Club. He was at peace on the water and relished taking friends out for memorable sails on the Puget Sound.

He was quick with a joke and known for his hilarious sense of humor. He had a knack for keeping folks in stitches with his elaborate, preposterous and crazy tales. He loved his coffee, having a beer with a friend, and was always up for an adventure. An avid reader of survival stories and oddly intrigued with virology and volcanoes, he loved nothing more than telling a good story that he could embellish and tell again and again. He was a gentle friend and a great listener - genuinely concerned for others. His thoughtful insights into people’s hearts is what endeared Ferris to so many across the country who called him a close friend.

Ferris will be especially missed by his companion and close confidant of 20 years, Julie Nye. They met in Portland, Oregon and forged a deep and lasting friendship. Ferris and Julie were each other’s lifeline through life’s twists and turns. They cooked together, traveled, spent long hours laughing, sharing, playing, loving and supporting each other regardless of the many miles sometimes separating them.

A loyal friend through and through, Ferris had many friends he truly cared about. One of his closest friends was Ted Ayliffe. For 40 years they inspired each other to take chances and live life to the fullest, definitely a partner in mischief and adventures. Since they met, they remained always within each other’s spheres, taking turns supporting each other, challenging each other, and just being there.

Ferris left an indelible mark on those that cared about him and will be profoundly missed.

He is survived by his brother, Corey Robinson of Attleboro, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his mother, Nancy Robinson of Attleboro, Massachusetts and by his grandparents, James and Ann Basilici, of Norwood, Massachusetts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on  Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Bar Louie, 2321 Patriot Place, Foxborough, Massachusetts from 5pm-8pm EST. His friends and loved ones will gather to share stories of how Ferris touched our lives.