Ralph A. Tiscione, Sr.

Ralph A. Tiscione, Sr., 81 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at home surrounded by his loving family. Ralph is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-two years, Stella (Harootunian) Tiscione; a son, Ralph A. Tiscione, Jr., his dear friend, Dawn Breault, a daughter, Lisa Tiscione-Rodriguez and her husband Angel; a sister, Madeline Carelli; all of Worcester; four adored grandchildren, Harrison and Sedona Tiscione, Amelia and Ella Rodriguez; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by three brothers, Vincent, Anthony and Jimmy Tiscione; and a sister, Susan DiPilato. Ralph was born in Worcester, a son of the late Frank and Amelia (Gentile) Tiscione and has lived here all his life. Ralph served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He worked as a city Firefighter and was the Dive Master and founder of the Worcester Fire Dept. Scuba Team until his retirement in 1985. Ralph was a member of the Worcester Firefighter Retirement Association, East Side Post 201 American Legion as well as the Pope John Council XXIII Knights of Columbus. Ralph was also an original member of the Worcester Frogman Dive Club and received many awards and trophies for his outstanding abilities as a scuba diver. Ralph was an avid hunter and fisher who was willing to skip a day of household chores to do either. He also had a great relationship with his bird dog Paco. Ralph loved spending time with friends and spent many mornings at Friendly's in Shrewsbury with them over breakfast. Ralph and his family are very grateful for the exceptional care and devotion given by Dr. Stephen Erban who guided and supported him and his wife Stella through so many medical hurdles. A funeral service for Ralph will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Saint John Cemetery, Worcester. A period of calling hours will be held on Monday, November 28th from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Leary Firefighters Foundation, 594 Broadway Suite 409, New York NY 10012-3234. To share your thoughts and memories of Ralph, please visit his personal guestbook at: mercadantefuneral.com