Raffaele “Ralph” Pascazio, 82, died peacefully early Friday morning, March 31, 2023 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany with his loving family at his side. Ralph was born in Modugno, Bari, Italy on November 11, 1940, the son of the late Giacinto and Antoinetta Fragassi Pascazio. Ralph was foreign car mechanic while living in Italy. He legally emigrated to the United States in November of 1961 and settled in Cohoes. He resided in Watervliet for many years before moving to Latham in 2008.
He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War serving his new adopted country from 1965-1967. He was employed as a steel worker at the former Adirondack Steel Company and the Al Tech Specialty Steel Company both in Watervliet before retiring. In retirement, he was the “Nanny” and “Nonno” of his two grandchildren.
Ralph was an active member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Watervliet where he was an usher, active in the annual church bazaar and also participated in the bocci league. Presently he was a communicant of St. Ambrose Church in Latham. Ralph was an avid golfer and bowler and enjoyed playing pinochle. In his earlier years, he played semi-pro soccer. He was a member of the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association.
He is the beloved husband of Frances “Fran” or “Dolly” M. Julian Pascazio; devoted father of Anthony D. (Brandy “Moani”) Pascazio of Latham and the late Raffaella Pascazio; proud grandfather of Niko and Mahina Pascazio; brother of Franco (Chella) Pascazio of Latham, Rosa (late Angelo) Pascazio of Italy, Anna (Rocco) DiCarlo of Brunswick, Donato (Kathy) Pascazio of Summerville, SC and the late Giovanna (Vince survives) Santilli of Latham; brother-in-law of Frank (Cynthia) Julian of Troy and Anne Marie (late Chris Schwing) Dudley of Latham. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.