Ferdi Inanç Gündüz, of Hopedale, Massachusetts, was born in 1947 in Istanbul, Türkiye, to Orhan and Meral (née Giray) Gündüz. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 to pursue the promise of the American Dream via study. He completed his secondary education in New York City and Brookline, Massachusetts; a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Sociology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and a Master of Education at Harvard University.
Ferdi leaves behind his wife Julie (née Manella), his lifelong love whom he met while at UMass. Together, they raised three sons: Savas, Kenan and Evren. Ferdi also leaves behind three beloved daughters-in-law, five adored grandchildren and his dear brother Dogan. A dedicated pacifist, Ferdi committed to U.S Citizenship in order to serve his adoptive country by enlisting in the United States Naval Air Reserve. He served the community of Milford as an educator—first teaching Mathematics, then as a creator and Director of the nascent Computer Sciences Department—and as a passionate soccer coach. He was considered a pivotal mentor to those he taught, coached, and counseled, and was an engaged member of the community of Hopedale. He was an avid reader and gardener and a lover of soccer, golf, travel and games of strategy. He cherished his time with Julie, their children, grandchildren, and many far-ranging family and friends, and being by the ocean at their home in Jonesport, Maine.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10 A.M. in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 5 East Main St. The burial will follow in the Hopedale Village Cemetery in Hopedale Ma. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water St., Milford. In lieu of flowers, Ferdi requested that donations be made to the local food bank within your community.