The life story of John and Alyssa Feroldi illustrates love given a second chance, in strength joined by faith and logic.
Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, Alyssa quickly put on traveling shoes, as her father’s Navy career sent the family all over the world. The exciting city, Brooklyn, New York, was John’s birthplace and home of his youth.
In earlier years, Alyssa successfully fought the effects of Diabetes 1, with the life-giving double transplant she had at the University of Wisconsin at age 40. At about the same time, John’s wife died, leaving him with very young children.
John and Alyssa have a mutual friend, Kris. In 2002, she got them together on the phone and set up a blind date. They remember her saying: “John, come to the phone to talk to your future wife.” Kris and John had daughters in the same school. Donna Crean (who would eventually become a resident at The Woodlands) was teaching, and she remembers them well. They figure that Donna has known them for more than 30 years now. This began a life together, with Alyssa learning the challenges and joys of raising “bonus children,” and supporting her husband. John and Alyssa simultaneously credit marrying each other as the highlight of their life.
This remarkable couple loves to spend time walking together in nature, entertaining, and meeting new friends. While John loves pickleball and golf, Alyssa revels in savoring each day. They miss their friends they’ve known from many years living in a neighborhood, but regularly invite them to The Woodlands for meals in the Private Dining Room. They’ve kept longstanding friendships and doubled their friends by moving to The Woodlands.
John is a rare example of a single person receiving a patent. Normally, patents reflect teamwork. He sold not one, but two patents to Verizon, with whom he was employed. Both came about from sitting in traffic, reading the various bumper stickers before and around him. His first patent was a display device, which can be used by authorities to relay messages as in Amber Alerts or for advertising. The second patent was a controlling system for the display.
Why the move to The Woodlands? They grew increasingly tired of “being owned by their house,” for it had five bedrooms and two acres that demanded constant attention. They received invitations by The Woodlands to attend events, and so they did! They found that great enjoyment came of visiting instead of fighting traffic. Their advice? “Move in while you can – you won’t give up anything except tedious responsibilities.” The idea that things are set in place for their future is a great relief. They are so much happier now, and their friends are joining them in attending activities that give joy without the challenges of metropolitan transit.
