WADSWORTH, Ohio — Stephen D. LaFerre, a former member of BF Goodrich Co.'s Tire Division public relations group, died Jan. 27 after a brief illness. He was 77.
Mr. LaFerre, of Wadsworth, began his career in the tire industry in 1967 when he joined Modern Tire Dealer; he was namededitor of the publication in 1976.
He joined BFG three years later and continued working with BFG and its successor company, Uniroyal Goodyear Tire Co., until 1995, including the last five years under Group Michelin's ownership.
He served as a consultant for several publications until retiring in 2010.
Mr. LaFerre was born in Dover, Ohio, and earned his journalism degree from Ohio University in 1967.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol; daughter Terri Lamm; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Feb. 1 at R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison, Ohio, from 4-7 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held in Wadsworth at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Summa Cardiovascular Institute's Heart Valve Clinic in Akron.