• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Trimmer Donald Ferrara Dies at 94

April 27, 2021 By Nadeem Muaddi

The Hog Ring - Trimmer Donald Ferrara dies at 94

Trimmer Donald Eugene Ferrara of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, has died at age 94.

Donald was born on November 23, 1926 in Los Angeles. He grew up during the Depression, and had to work several jobs to help his family make ends meet. Among his many childhood jobs, Donald shined shoes and reset pins at a bowling alley.

While attending Washington High School, he worked at the Douglas Aircraft plant in El Segundo welding bomb racks on the SBD Dauntless dive bomber for $.75 an hour.

Donald left high school early to enlist for naval duty in World War II as an aviation metal smith. In 1946, he returned from the war and took up a job at Speedo-Tach, where built car dashboard gauges and instruments.

He quickly became enamored with cars and pursued a career in automotive restoration and design. Through trial and error, he taught himself the crafts of auto upholstery and body work, and began working on custom hot rods.

In fact, Donald is considered one of the pioneers of Southern California’s 1940’s and 1950’s hot rod scene, his obituary says.

His beloved 1929 Ford Model A V8 Roadster took 1st place at the 1950 LA Car Show, was featured on the August 1951 cover of Hot Rod Magazine, and was driven by a Charles Bronson in the 1953 Warner Bros Film “Crime Wave.”

Donald also completed the interior upholstery of the George Barris customized 1963 “Asteroid” Corvette Sting Ray, as commissioned by famed powerboat racer Bob Nordskog, who also happened to be his brother-in-law.

In addition to customizing hot rods, Donald also served as a frogman with the Los Angeles City Fire Department. During his 28 years with the department, Donald responded to the Bel-Air Fire, the Watts Riots, and the explosion of the super-tanker Sansinena in the LA Harbor.

As if that weren’t impressive enough, Donald was also a body builder, successful real estate investor, award-winning water skier, private pilot, and even in a motorcycle club.

“But Don’s most noteworthy accomplishment was being an amazing father, grandfather, and friend to everyone he met, and he leaves us with wonderful memories of a life well lived,” his obituary says.

Donald died from natural causes on February 16, 2021. He is survived by his ex-wife, Patricia Jo Ferrara, and three children, Deanne Iacono, Darren Ferrara and Dean Ferrara. He is also survived by his three grandchildren Philip, Claire and Olivia Iacono.

May he Rest In Peace.

Filed Under: Archive, Obituary Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior

Primary Sidebar

anal porno bangbros rus porno yaşlı porno konulu porno olgun porno porno izle sarışın porno bakire sex 69 porno

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Leather Craft
  • Hyde Leather
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Albright's Supply
  • Keyston Bros

THR Favorites

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Sculpt Garage

Shop Profile: Brent Davison of Sculpt Garage

Sculpt Garage has only been in business for … [more] about Shop Profile: Brent Davison of Sculpt Garage

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Bentley Motors Leather Shop

A Visit to Bentley Motors’ Leather Workshop

We know that Bentley Motors creates some of … [more] about A Visit to Bentley Motors’ Leather Workshop

Auto Upholstery

No Limits with Programmable Sewing

We feature a lot of unique pleat designs on … [more] about No Limits with Programmable Sewing

The Hog Ring - The Shop Features Interview with Bux Customs

Bux Customs: ‘We’ve grown from each build’

Chris McClintock of Bux Customs is a rising … [more] about Bux Customs: ‘We’ve grown from each build’

The Hog Ring - Meet David Price of d-class automotive interiors

Meet David Price of d:class automotive

David Price launched d:class automotive … [more] about Meet David Price of d:class automotive

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Door Panel Vinyl

Where to Find Mustang Door Panel Vinyl

Since its debut in 2005, the fifth-generation … [more] about Where to Find Mustang Door Panel Vinyl

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Trimmer Richard Buczynski Dies at 87
  • Ontario Car Scene Unites to Support Beloved Upholsterer in Critical Condition
  • Audi’s New Feature Lets You Play Video Games in Traffic
  • Running a Trim Shop is Hard. This Free SBA Tool Makes It Easier
  • Subaru Seat Bolsters Are Failing. Here’s How to Fix Them (and Make Money)

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in