Ferrari studied piano and organ as a boy and started his music career when he began performing at his local church at 11 years old.
It was there, while idly passing the time during leave by playing the organ, that he came to the notice of his commanding officer as a likely person to put on the "Soldier Parade" with Arlene Francis (later of What's My Line?
An avid amateur radio operator, he held the call of WA2MKI and was heard nearly daily on the air talking to his friends as he drove to and from his home in New Jersey to the television studio.
He also made cameo appearances as the house "band" on the syndicated Wheel of Fortune during their visit to the former Philadelphia Civic Center in Fall 1992.
He also was the background organist for WPVI produced shows including Chief Halftown and Captain Noah.
A resident of Cinnaminson Township, New Jersey, Ferrari died of leukemia at age 65 on November 20, 1997.
The award was accepted on his behalf by longtime colleague W. Carter Merbreier (Captain Noah and His Magical Ark).