John Ferreira will retire on August 26.
Gene M. Marchard/Enterprise

Goodbye and Good Luck Dear Bus Driver

Frequent bus travelers to and from Boston will soon be missing the familiar greeting from Peter Pan bus driver John Ferreira to “his dear friends.”

Vineyarders who are frequent bus travelers to and from Boston will soon be missing the familiar, cheery greeting from driver John Ferreira to “his dear friends.” They will also miss his earnest efforts to help them make the boat. John retires August 26 after 30 years of service with Bonanza, now the Peter Pan bus line. John may fill in from time to time in emergencies, but otherwise he will be happily tending the vegetables and flowers in his South Dartmouth garden. He will be nurturing his tomatoes and zucchini and cucumbers with the same tender loving care he has always had for weary, harried bus passengers. All good wishes on his retirement!

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/18/2016 - 19:48

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June Manning Aquinnah

All the best to John Ferreira on his retirement. Over the past fifteen years it has been necessary to travel to Boston frequently for medical and dental appointments. John has been the driver on many of those trips. My last trip was this spring when he made sure that we arrived for the next boat - a pleasant surprise for all of us aboard. John was the best driver. Always cheerful, friendly, of great assistance, and reassuring. We all felt safe with John behind the wheel especially during inclement weather. May he have a restful retirement and perhaps one more trip to Hawaii or another cruise. THANK YOU JOHN ! God Bless.

Marsha Shufrin Aquinnah

Yes, what a wonderful guy. I'm not a frequent bus traveller but did have the pleasure of riding with him last April in my trip to Boston. He made quite an impression since I had an issue with my ticket. He took the time to help me straighten it out at the Falmouth station and made sure I was back on the bus before he left. Enjoy your retirement, John!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/18/2016 - 20:01

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Mark EDG

John was a saint. A true inspiration. He went out of his way to make a personal connection with every passenger on his bus. The trip to Boston won't be the same without his good nature and kindness.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/19/2016 - 06:40

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Polly Landrum

Mr. Ferreira went over and above the call of duty when my bag was mistaken for another's. He made sure I received my bag in SC which was amazing! Thank you for being a wonderful person!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 17:35

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Angela Cywinski Vineyard Haven

Good Luck John!! You will be missed!! You made all my medical visits to Boston so much better with your smile and a laugh!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 20:36

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Walter Hammond Oak Bluffs

I would always try to seek John out and felt lucky when he was in the drivers seat! His conversation and kindness were immeasurable!
Above and beyond was how I will remember his work ethic. I wish him the very best on his retirement! God bless!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 20:41

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Alasdair and Laura Watt West Tisbury

John , We wish you a very happy retirement . We always enjoyed traveling with you . You are a true Professional and a Gentleman . Be well , Our friend. Alasdair and Laura

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 20:41

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Kevin edgartown

I travelled to Boston a few times for my cancer treatments. John made the rides a pleasure. I always tried to sit up front so we could talk. You will be missed . You took the pain away with your inventiveness. Enjoy your retirement

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/24/2016 - 22:17

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Tara Bolash-Larsen Chilmark

Always happy to see him as our driver. He would always greet you with Hello My Friend. Loved learning about his family. He spoke of his wife and daughter and extended family. Traveling with him was always a pleasure. Wishing him the very BEST !!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 10:39

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Scott Vineyard Haven

Absolutely the best! Extremely polite and friendly. Some drivers are touchy with the brakes and do not anticipate the traffic well. Most do not understand how that translates to the rider's experience. Mr Ferreira always made the day better. Thank you!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 15:23

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Kelly O'Connor Edgartown

Thank you, John! You should write a book about your travels. Happy retirement to a real professional.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 17:29

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Robert Hemsen Morristown, NJ

Not surprised at the positive comments.They all accurately describe the man's commitment to his job and his concern for his passengers. Not sure John allows bad days to enter his outlook on life. Happy retirement from your co-father-in-law.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 22:13

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Diane LaMonica California

John is the best of the very best. I visit my East coast family a few times a year and am always thrilled to see him with his warm smile and amazing disposition. Happy retirement to a beautiful man, inside and out.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/26/2016 - 13:49

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Rebecca Geary Oak Bkuffs and Vermont

I always appreciated his good humor and energy, made the rides so much easier! Best of luck

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/27/2016 - 17:55

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Cathy Gallagher Oak Bluffs

Thank you very much. I will miss you. You have always set a great positive and sincere HUMAN example ..... of what it's like to do a good job. Enjoy your family and your garden.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/30/2016 - 08:30

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Kathleen Sohn Santa Cruz, CA

Whenever I travel to visit my family in Falmouth...I am delighted when John is my driver..Bon Voyage John!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/04/2016 - 21:09

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Yvette Green Falmouth

My heart is breaking today as I learn of the passing of such a gentle soul, my deepest condolences goes out to the entire family. R.I.P my dear friend. I will surely miss you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/05/2016 - 12:24

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Joe Demasi Malden

I had the pleasure of meeting John when I was with Peter Pan before the purchase of Bonanza and there was never a day I would not see a smile on his face. And when Bonanza drivers found out that I was coming to Providence John made me feel like I was coming into family and it made the transition easier besides having a few good guys from Bonanza welcoming me. Love you John

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/05/2016 - 13:59

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Paul Boie

I've known John as a friend and co-worker since his first day. Easy to befriend, a first rate driver and the most passenger friendly person. You will always be missed John

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/05/2016 - 15:09

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carlos swepson rhode island

for the ten years (uncle john)is what I always called him always helpful I remember him one day last summer I ask him why you working so hard with all that luggage he smiled and put on his weight belt and loaded at lest 20 bags I had to help him out he smile again and said thanks uncle john will be missed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/12/2017 - 17:05

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Fred Freitas Bennington, VT

John was a fun co-worker and always cheerful. It is with deep sympathies that I tell you he passed away the Saturday following his retirement. He will be missed by all of us who knew him at Bonanza Bus Lines.

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