Gustave Robert Ferri, age 82 of Tarboro, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2023, after a brief illness. The classical pianist-Teacher, whose teaching career spanned more than 60 years, lived in Denville, New Jersey, prior to moving to Tarboro in 2017. At that time, he and his wife, Carol, a concert pianist-teacher, and his son, Randy, a guitarist, founded the Tarboro Conservatory of Music. Here they have guided students of all ages toward the mastery of piano and guitar playing. They have always been "Professional Musicians Dedicated to the Fine Art of Teaching"

Born on May 3, 1940, in Newark, New Jersey, Gustave was the first son of Louis G Ferri and Josephine Picciotti Ferri. Early on he leaned toward the arts and had a special love of the piano. He became the protégé of Russell E. Lanning, who quickly recognized Gus's exceptional musical talent. As he developed, he was accepted as a student of renowned Russian pedagogue, Genia Robinor, who was based in New York City.

By age 19, Gustave opened his first piano studio, and proved himself to be an outstanding teacher. His reputation continued to grow, and he soon became active in the New Jersey organizations such as the Music Education Council, The Music Educators Association of New Jersey, The New Jersey Music Teachers Association (MTNA) and the prestigious Leschetizky Association, named after the great European teacher, Theodor Leschetizky. Gustave was a natural leader and innovator who played an active role in shaping the New Jersey Musicial landscape. In the 1970's Gus founded the international concert series "Recital Stage" in New Jersey which presented major concert pianists such as Arthur Rubinstein, Andre Watts, Van Cliburn, Vladimir Ashkenazy, and many others. It was the only series of its kind in New Jersey.

The culmination of his years of directing organizations was the formation of the Piano Teachers Society of America, which he founded in 1980. This streamlined piano teachers group brought change and improvements to the competition concept. Thus, for forty years, the Society under Gustave's leadership conducted competitions to select the most outstanding students from all over the state of New Jersey. Winners then performed in PTSA's annual Gala Piano Festival at Carnegie Hall. Many of these musicians went on to have professional careers of their own, immensely encouraged by their experiences in PTSA.

Over the years Gustave and Carol's teaching studios thrived, and they were in demand as Master Teachers. For several years Gustave was a piano professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey. In his private practice, Gustave was beloved for his compassion, empathy, strong musical guidance and his humor and wit. He even had a secret language and games he played with his younger pupils, which made the lessons with Gus fun.

Some friends called Gus "Maestro" and others called him a "Renaissance Man" due to his talents in so many areas of life. Essentially a quiet , down-to-earth man, Gus loved his family and home with a fervor. With his Italian heritage it was a given that he embrace the language of his mother's and Nona Rosie's Italian cuisine. That was always a comfort to him. Beauty was an important part of Gustave's sensitive persona, whether it was practicing an expressive Chopin Nocturne, nurturing the flowers in this garden or collecting beautiful antiques and works of art.

Gustave Ferri left a legacy of goodness and love; we will hold him forever in our hearts.

He leaves to cherish is wife, Carol; son, Randy; his brothers, Louis J. Ferri and Michael Ferri; Many cousins, nieces, nephews as well as generations of his beloved Piano students.

Memorials can be sent to the American Parkinson's Disease Association.

The service date will be announced at a later time but will be held at the Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church.