FERLAZZO, Paul

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Paul Ferlazzo (August 27, 1944 - April 2, 2015) Paul Ferlazzo of Flagstaff passed away on April 2, 2015. He was born in New York City, N.Y. on August 27, 1944, to Grace and Joseph Ferlazzo. In 1966 Paul graduated with a B.A. from St. Francis College, N.Y. and earned his Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma in 1970. His academic and administrative career spanned four decades at Michigan State University, the University of Bologna (Italy), Montana State University and Northern Arizona University. Paul was a scholar of American poetry and among his many publications wrote two books on Emily Dickenson and most recently Poetry and the American Presidency . He held a Fulbright Lecturer in American Literature at the University of Bologna, was National President of the Phi Kappa Phi College Honor Society and has been the co-director of the College of Arts and Letters Film Series. After he retired from Northern Arizona University, he pursued his life-long interest in art and took classes at The Drawing Studio (Tucson), Coconino Community College and NAU. He loved to paint and draw and most days would find him in his study working on a canvas. Paul found joy everywhere, but most especially in his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved son John Paul. He is survived by his wife Carole, son Michael (Dessia), four grandchildren, Mike Jr., Olivia, Julia, and Anna, his sister Frances and many nieces and nephews all of whom he cherished. A Celebration of Life will be held at Flagstaff Federated Community Church, 400 W Aspen Ave, on Saturday, April 11 at 11 am. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Paul's name to New Life Christian Church, PO Box 3959, Flagstaff, AZ 86003.