Obituary for Ralph Sangiorgio
Ralph Sangiorgio, 92, of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Because of his determination and will to live, we were lucky to have him for nine years after his diagnosis.
Ralph was the beloved husband of the late Marie (Pochini), dearest father of Deborah, Barbara and Maria, dear father-in-law of Jeffrey and Andrew; special grandfather of Jeffrey, Michael, Christopher, Justin, Adam, Raffaele and Giovanni. Also, sweet great-grandpa to Griffin and Reid.
Ralph was the oldest son of the late Concetta and John Sangiorgio and pre-deceased by his brother Joseph and sister Marietta. He is survived by his youngest brother George and many nieces and nephews.
He had a great respect and love for his country. He joined the Navy at the young age of 17, where he served as a ship’s carpenter. He was adventurous and curious about the world and truly enjoyed all the places he got to see while sailing around the world on the U.S.S. Bronx.
Ralph returned from the Navy to marry his childhood sweetheart, Marie, and together they raised three daughters. He worked in the family construction business alongside his father and brother and, in fact, they built the house he lived in until his passing.
One of his great loves was traveling to Saratoga Springs each summer with Marie and the girls, to visit relatives, take in the sights and “support” the New York Racing Association.
Theirs was a story-book marriage and they enjoyed many beautiful years together. Unfortunately, Marie fell ill at a young age and Ralph lovingly dedicated the next 27 years to taking care of her until her passing. Ralph’s interests were many. He played baseball as a teen and was a devoted NY Yankees fan. In later years he enjoyed playing golf with his senior friends. He loved watching National Geographic, The History Channel, and nature shows. In fact, one of his hobbies was feeding and watching the many birds that visited his backyard.
He was deeply religious and volunteered for years as an usher at St. Bernadette’s Church, and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He also loved donating to many different charities.
Ralph was kind, compassionate and humble, and a perfect example of a true gentleman. He was a loving family man. He would always say “the most important thing in life is family” and he certainly lived by his beliefs.
Years later, in the pursuit of new friends, Ralph joined the senior center, where he met Amalia O’Keefe. They became close companions, took classes and cooked together, and enjoyed each other’s company until his passing. Amy was always there to help him and support him through his illness.
His infectious smile, mischievous sense of humor, and unconditional love will be greatly missed by all, especially his loving family.
Ralph was the beloved husband of the late Marie (Pochini), dearest father of Deborah, Barbara and Maria, dear father-in-law of Jeffrey and Andrew; special grandfather of Jeffrey, Michael, Christopher, Justin, Adam, Raffaele and Giovanni. Also, sweet great-grandpa to Griffin and Reid.
Ralph was the oldest son of the late Concetta and John Sangiorgio and pre-deceased by his brother Joseph and sister Marietta. He is survived by his youngest brother George and many nieces and nephews.
He had a great respect and love for his country. He joined the Navy at the young age of 17, where he served as a ship’s carpenter. He was adventurous and curious about the world and truly enjoyed all the places he got to see while sailing around the world on the U.S.S. Bronx.
Ralph returned from the Navy to marry his childhood sweetheart, Marie, and together they raised three daughters. He worked in the family construction business alongside his father and brother and, in fact, they built the house he lived in until his passing.
One of his great loves was traveling to Saratoga Springs each summer with Marie and the girls, to visit relatives, take in the sights and “support” the New York Racing Association.
Theirs was a story-book marriage and they enjoyed many beautiful years together. Unfortunately, Marie fell ill at a young age and Ralph lovingly dedicated the next 27 years to taking care of her until her passing. Ralph’s interests were many. He played baseball as a teen and was a devoted NY Yankees fan. In later years he enjoyed playing golf with his senior friends. He loved watching National Geographic, The History Channel, and nature shows. In fact, one of his hobbies was feeding and watching the many birds that visited his backyard.
He was deeply religious and volunteered for years as an usher at St. Bernadette’s Church, and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He also loved donating to many different charities.
Ralph was kind, compassionate and humble, and a perfect example of a true gentleman. He was a loving family man. He would always say “the most important thing in life is family” and he certainly lived by his beliefs.
Years later, in the pursuit of new friends, Ralph joined the senior center, where he met Amalia O’Keefe. They became close companions, took classes and cooked together, and enjoyed each other’s company until his passing. Amy was always there to help him and support him through his illness.
His infectious smile, mischievous sense of humor, and unconditional love will be greatly missed by all, especially his loving family.