State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, who called herself a legislator of fishermen and farmers, died early Thanksgiving morning after a five-year struggle with pancreatic cancer.
She was 53.
Ferrante came from a humble downtown immigrant family of a fisherman father and a school librarian mother to become one of the most influential lawmakers on Beacon Hill.
The Gloucester native, who had represented the 5th Essex District since 2009, rose to become vice chair of the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means.
Mayor Greg Verga ordered all flags in the city lowered to half-staff out in her honor.
Ferrante worked on demanding legislative matters such as the state budget all while managing chemotherapy infusions at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and advocating for policies for cancer patients like herself. She was diagnosed in January 2021 at age 49 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just last month, the first-generation American returned to Sicily to visit with family and officials there. It was the first time she had been back in 28 years. Her father, a native of Sicily and retired fisherman, Joseph G. Ferrante, died in November 2024 just shy of his 83rd birthday.
“At the end of the day, when all is said and done, for me and this community, it’s about the people,” Ferrante said during an August 2022 interview after speaking to seniors at a cookout at Stage Fort Park during a successful run for reelection that year.
“She will be remembered not only for her role as vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee,” said her close colleague in the Legislature state Senate Minority Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, “and for her many legislative achievements, but also for her kindness, her grace in the face of adversity, and her remarkable ability to lift others even while carrying her own burdens.”
“First elected to the legislature in 2008, Ann-Margaret dedicated her legislative career to ensuring that Cape Ann always had a seat at the table in legislative matters; always focused on our fishermen, jobs and economic development, and helping those in need,” read a statement from her office announcing her passing.
“Driven by her faith and her focus on community, Ann-Margaret lived to embody the social gospel of Matthew: ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me,’” the statement said.
Ferrante’s legacy
Ferrante’s legacy includes championing the establishment of Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Inc. and Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, bringing the Imagination Library to Cape Ann’s children, expanding The Open Door food pantry, and “her focus on giving the people of Cape Ann and the Commonwealth new opportunities, and much more,” the statement said.
A gasp went up in a room outside the kitchen at The Open Door as American Legion Post 3 Commander Peter Favazza III, a friend of Ferrante’s, broke the news of her death to volunteers gathered to help the assemble a Thanksgiving meal for delivery to those in need. He asked for a moment of silence.
Favazza said Ferrante was a year behind him in school and they had first met at what is now the O’Maley Innovation Middle School.
“She stood out then and I think it’s fair to say we all knew that she was (destined for) big things,” Favazza said. He said her accomplishments continued even after she was diagnosed.
“She just kept going. That’s the Ann-Margaret that I know. That’s the one I’m going to miss,” he said.
Top state elected officials from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem, to Gov. Maura Healey, to Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and many local leaders extended their condolences and paid tribute to Ferrante’s dedication, love and drive to help the people not only of Gloucester and Cape Ann but of the commonwealth.
Tarr, also a Gloucester native with deep roots in the seaport, worked hand-in-hand with Ferrante across the aisle.
“For me, this loss is profoundly personal,” he said. “Ann-Margaret was not only a trusted legislative partner, but also a cherished friend — someone my family and I considered part of our own.”
Ferrante, a 1990 graduate of Gloucester High who graduated from Tufts University where she majored in economics and international relations, had once worked as Tarr’s intern and then as his aide as she got her start in politics.
She went on to earn a law degree from Suffolk University Law School, in part she said 2022, because, working for Tarr and coming from a fisherman’s family, she had seen what she called were “the legal abuses that the U.S. government was putting on our fishermen.”
Tarr’s and Ferrante’s close working relationship on Beacon Hill for Cape Ann residents was founded on their friendship and they were in lockstep when it came to working on issues of concern to the community.
“Even as she faced a difficult and relentless battle with cancer,” Tarr said, “she met each day with purpose, determination, and an unwavering focus on what truly mattered. That resilience inspired all of us who had the honor to serve alongside her.”
A “heartbroken” Gov. Healey said Ferrante inspired others with her resilience and bravery during her cancer battle. She said she would miss Ferrante’s humor, guidance, passion and, most of all, her friendship.
“The proud daughter and granddaughter of Gloucester fishermen,” Healey said, “Ann-Margaret was a fierce champion for the people of Cape Ann for more than 15 years, always advocating for our fishermen, making Gloucester a hub for marine biotechnology, and investing in vocational training to set students and local businesses up for success.
“She was guided by her deep faith, and everything she did was to help others. She was one of the most selfless people I know, and there was no one more loyal to her friends, family and the constituents she served.”
Driscoll, the former Salem mayor who knew Ferrante for many years, described Ferrante as “a true daughter of Gloucester. In fact, Ann-Margaret was Gloucester.
“Her leadership was marked by integrity, compassion and an unwavering belief in the potential of her community,” Driscoll said. “Across the commonwealth, colleagues knew her as a thoughtful policymaker and a determined advocate. But to Gloucester, she was something even more: she was a champion, a protector and a constant source of pride.”
Ferrante was elected in 2008, having unseated the late longtime former state Rep. Anthony “Tony” Verga in the Democratic primary that year.
Verga’s son, outgoing Mayor Verga, worked closely with Ferrante over the years.
“Ann-Margaret was a true champion for our city,” Verga said, “and her impact will be felt for generations. It has been a real honor working alongside her over the past several years. Witnessing her strength as she represented us at the Statehouse while quietly battling cancer is something I have the utmost respect for. She was a fierce advocate for Gloucester – from our waterfront industry to economic development and education. I am grateful to have known her and to have worked with her.”
Former City Council President and Mayor-elect Paul Lundberg said: “Ann-Margaret’s empathy and compassion for her neighbors and constituents was matched by her skill to accomplish the things necessary for making our community better.
“She had the respect of her colleagues on Beacon Hill and her accomplishments there were remarkable. And most importantly she was truly a best friend to all of us. Thank you Ann-Margaret – you will always be with us.”
Former Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said, “I grew up with her and she’s my little sister. She was everyone in the church as a little sister.” As someone who was from a fishing and immigrant family, Romeo Theken said Ferrante provided an example to others, especially young women they could run for office and overcome.
“Don’t let anyone stop you and that’s how strong Annie was,” she said.
“Ann-Margaret was an inspiring leader who valued collaboration across party lines,” said Councilor at-Large Val Gilman. “Eloquent and knowledgeable, she united people for the common good. A devoted daughter, she balanced caring for her parents with a demanding career. Our city is better because of her vision and accomplishments.”
Former Mayor and City Councilor Bruce Tobey said: “As an advocate for Gloucester, she was unsurpassed. Ann-Margaret brought home the bacon for numerous local causes, and her work on behalf of Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute will be a lasting monument to her.
“But most importantly, she adopted me as her Uncle Bruce. That means the world to me, given the central importance of family as a North Star in her life. My family and I will miss her greatly, as will our entire community,” Tobey said.
Councilor at-Large Jeff Worthley added: “Ann-Margaret Ferrante embodied everything you would want in a public servant: selfless, caring, and hardworking to name a few. She was a fierce advocate for all of her constituents in each of the communities she represented proudly. My heart breaks for her mother, her extended family and our entire community. I will miss her friendship and advice.”
Ward 1 Councilor Scott Memhard recalled moderating a Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce state representative debate at the Cruiseport Gloucester when Ferrante ran against Tony Verga as the Democratic incumbent and Astrid af Klinteberg in the primary in 2008. “Ann-Margaret was so clearly the strongest and most passionate and articulate candidate. She learned so much from her time working with Senator Bruce Tarr. Her love, knowledge and effective advocacy for Gloucester will be very hard to replace.”
Ward 4 Councilor Frank Margiotta, who also comes from a Gloucester fishing family, called Ferrante “a passionate advocate for Gloucester and a fierce defender of the people she served. Her deep commitment to our fishing industry, our working families, and the future of Cape Ann was unmatched.”
A loss felt beyond Gloucester
Ferrante’s loss was felt within the wider Cape Ann community and beyond.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ann-Margaret Ferrante,” said U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem. “She was a dear friend, an accomplished legislator, and a champion for the people of Cape Ann. Ann-Margaret led with compassion, integrity, and a profound belief in the dignity of every person she represented.”
“On behalf of the Rockport Select Board and our entire community, I extend our deepest sorrow at the passing of Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante,” said Rockport Select Board Chair Paul Murphy. “Ann-Margaret was more than a legislator—she was a tireless advocate for Cape Ann, a trusted partner in advancing the needs of Rockport, and a friend to many of us who had the privilege of working alongside her.”
A joint statement by the police and fire chiefs of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea read, in part: “Ann-Margaret was a fierce and devoted champion of the people of Cape Ann, and had an empathetic approach to public service that earned the respect of people in every corner of the community. Her continued partnership, collaboration, and advocacy have allowed us as public safety agencies to put our best foot forward to serve our communities. She will be deeply missed.”
“Ann-Margaret was more than just a legislator or a boss to those of us who worked for her. She was a true friend and mentor,” said Dru Tarr, Ferrante’s research and district director. “Every day with her was a lesson in how to serve your community.
Everyone whose lives she touched came away changed for the better. We will all be striving to live up to her legacy of service to our community.”
Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@northofboston.com.