​​​Ferdi Inanç Gündüz, 77

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.

Guest Book

Dear Julie & Children, I have thought about you and Ferdi throughout the decades since I last saw you soon after your first son was born. We dormitory friends from Johnson House (Jennifer Stoughton, Ann Childs, Joanne Collins, Monica McSheehy, Karen Letusky, Kathy Wright and so many others) at UMASS AHHERST shared some of the most tender moments of life with dearest Ferdi and you during our carefree youth in the early 70s. Such a kind-hearted and gentle soul who left such a mark on our lives and others from our college days. I thought of you both just now and Googled you to read the sad news of Ferdi’s passing. What a wonderful life you shared! May Ferdi’s guiding light continue to shine down upon your lives until you meet again. Fondly, an old UMASS friend, Karen (Letusky) Kross, Boca Raton Florida
Karen (Letusky) Kross

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To The Gunduz Family, I am so so sorry to hear that Mr. Gunduz has passed. He was my teacher in Milford School System, such a great man always going the extra mile to assist you in whatever you needed and taught us all well. May He Always Shine Above. Hearts & Prayers to all of you at this very difficult time. To One of The Best RIP
Cheryl Pasacane-Guilmain

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To The Gunduz Family, I am so so sorry to hear that Mr. Gunduz has passed. He was my teacher in Milford School System, such a great man always going the extra mile to assist you in whatever you needed and taught us all well. May He Always Shine Above. Hearts & Prayers to all of you at this very difficult time. To One of The Best RIP
Cheryl Pasacane-Guilmain

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To Evren and the Gunduz family, We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Greg Rowe and the Rowe Family

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Julie and family we are saddened to hear of Ferdi’s passing. We can’t think of him without the fondest of memories. We enjoyed so many good times together with him and you and the boys, it’s hard not to smile. The parties, the golf outings, the trips to Boston and Cambridge, the skating parties on the pond especially the one in February of ‘79, dinners and visits to North Pond, the Steakhouse - wonderful. Ferdi was a great man who I learned much from teaching together in the early years when teaching was fun. Truly a super educator whatever role he played. Unforgettable smile and laugh that we both will miss.
Nancy and Tony Niro and family

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Julie and family, deepest sympathy in your loss. Ferdi was a wonderful extraordinary human being.
Sandra Tosches

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Julie, Savas, Kenan, Evren, our hearts break for you. Ferdi was a man of integrity, authenticity, straightforwardness, compassionate and loving! These qualities have been passed on to his sons, who I had the privilege of teaching. May his spirit and love continue to guide you in your chosen paths in life!
Annette and Lee Packard

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Julie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You remain in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ferdi was a wonderful man and exemplary educator who touched many lives.
Maryann Laronga Pattin

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To the entire Gunduz & Manella families, May I express my deepest condolences upon the death of Ferdi who taught Mathematics who along with my son taught @ Milford High School several years ago. May his soul continue to " requiescat in pace ad eternum. " Amen
Brian Edwards

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Dear Julie and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Ferdi. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope that beautiful memories will bring peace to your heart.
Nancy Cipriano

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