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Legendary
Coach Ferry passes away at age 76
 Longtime
Villanova assistant football coach Lou Ferry died on Jan. 25 after a long
illness. Born on Dec. 1, 1927 in Chester, Pa., Ferry was a part of Villanova
football for over seven decades.
As a player, Ferry was a standout offensive and defensive tackle for the
Wildcats from 1945-48 earning All East and All-American honorable mention
distinction. In 1948, he served as team captain of the Wildcats. During
his collegiate career, Ferry played in both the 1957 Great Lakes Bowl
and the 1948 Harbor Bowl. He went on to spend seven seasons in the NFL
with the Green Bay Packers (1949-50), Chicago Cardinals (1951) and Pittsburgh
Steelers (1952-56). Ferry is currently one of the 21 former Villanova
players to have their jerseys retired.
He returned to Villanova in 1960 where he served as the defensive line
coach until 1970, when he was appointed head coach. He served in this
capacity from 1970-73 and part of the 1974 season. In 1975, Ferry returned
as defensive line coach until 1981. In 1985, when Villanova restored its
football program, Ferry returned to the Main Line as defensive line coach
and was a part of head coach Andy Talley’s staff for the past 19
seasons.
During his Villanova coaching career, Ferry served as a mentor to former
All-Pro defensive lineman and NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long while Long
played on the Main Line from 1977-80.
The funeral Mass was celebrated in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church
on Jan. 29. He is survived by his wife Francis and nieces and nephews.
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