Ralph J Pietro Jr

Ralph J. Pietro Jr. a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family, Sunday, May 17th 2015. Ralph is one of nine children of Ralph J. Pietro Sr and Eva (Gauthier) Pietro, was born in Worcester; He graduated from Commerce high school and then accepted a position with the Heald Machine Company, now Cincinnati Milacron, where he worked more than 37 years before retiring. In 1948, Ralph met and in 1950 married Josephine Rossetti. Together they would settled in Worcester to raise their family over the next 65 years with love, devotion and happiness. Ralph is survived by the love of his life, Josephine; his three children, Ralph J. Pietro III and his wife Beth of Dennis Ma, Maryann Girard and her husband Daniel F. Girard, Sr., Paula Pietro-Malmquist and her husband Kim all of Worcester; nine grandchildren, Daniel F. Girard Jr, Brian and Joseph Girard, Matthew, Jeffrey and Benjamin Pietro, Ashley, Alyssa and Ariana Malmquist; five great grandchildren, Louisa, Gabriella, Daniel III, Elyse and Sloane. He is also survived by two brothers, James and Robert Pietro and four sisters, Betty Ryan, Joan Lombardozzi , Nancy Paquette and Teresa Brosnihan; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Two brothers, Richard and Dennis Pietro pre deceased him. Ralph was a member of St Stephen's Church, and the Pope John XXIII Counsel Knights of Columbus and the 4th degree Bishop O'Reilly Assembly. A simple devoted family man. He devoted his life to his wife, and family; , nothing was more important to him than their happiness. His grandchildren were his inspiration; he enjoyed watching them play sports, dance, and participate in activities. They are what made his smile. He was most proud when his whole family could be together. The special celebrations, Holiday dinners and occasions when they were all together were the times that will be remembered. He enjoyed Hampton Beaches on family vacations and the visits to Cape Cod to see family and his grandsons. He also enjoyed watching the Red Sox, and New England Patriots and while he was working the family day celebrations Heald Machine would host. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Wednesday, May 20th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held, Thursday May 21st from the funeral home with a procession to St Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in St John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave, Waltham Mass 01701 or the Massachusetts Special Olympics, 512 Forest Street Marlborough, MA 01752. The Pietro Family would like to thank the Notre Dame Hospice, as well as Linda, Peg, Jayne, Mary and Stacy for the excellent care, comfort and compassion they gave to our father during a difficult time.