John M. Ferguson

Clifton Park------John M. Ferguson, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2017. He was the son of the late Fred and Hilda Ferguson. "Jack" graduated from Marlboro Central School, Class of 1953. He played tenor saxophone in band, made, "all-state" band four times, and performed in dance bands before and after graduation. Jack enjoyed skiing into his 60's. Jack started his sales career at Sears Roebuck & Co. in Newburgh, NY, where he met his future wife, Elaine Warren. After a short stint in beer sales (Ruppert/Knickerbocker), Jack began his long career in agricultural packaging sales in 1957 when he was hired by Red's Empty Package Supply Co., of Milton, NY. In the early 1970's, Jack worked for Penn Box of Warminster, PA, for a couple of years, before returning to, "Red's." Jack became President and COO of Red's Package in 1990. Jack transferred to SOFCO, Inc. of Scotia, NY when Red's Package was purchased in the early 1990's and, later, to US Foods with a subsequent buy-out. Jack retired from US Foods in 2003. In retirement, Jack was a consultant and east coast representative for Keyes Fiber Corp., of Wenatchee, WA, from 2003 until May of 2014, from where he continued to serve his beloved apple growers.

Jack is survived by his long-time companion, Joan LaBarge; two children, Jeff (Dawn Johnston), of Ballston Spa, NY and Jill Ferguson-Futia, of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren: Matthew (Meg), of Troy, NY, Tyler, of Syracuse, NY, and Ian, of Gilbert, AZ; one great grandson, Max Ferguson; and his four-legged granddaughter, Lark aka, "Spot."

All services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the HEARING HEALTH FOUNDATION, 363 Seventh Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10001-3904, (212) 257-6140, (888) 435-6104 TTY, info@hhf.org

To leave a special message for the family, please visit NewComerAlbany.com