Ralph A. D'Elia

Ralph A. D’Elia, 90, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Worcester, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at UMass Hospital. 

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, with whom he’s shared forty-three years, Cathy E. (Harrington) D’Elia; three daughters, Corrie A. D’Elia and her significant other Richad Mascroft; Gloria L. D’Elia, and Darleen Mary Leuci; two sisters, Gloria A. D’Elia and Carleen Ford, all of Worcester; six grandchildren, Nicholas A. D’Elia, Anthony P. D’Elia and his wife Lisa, Christine Freitas, David Freitas and his wife Vanessa, Michael Leuci, and Alana Leuci; seven great grandchildren; a sister in law, Dorothy Dawson; many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a sister, Camille (D’Elia) Soucy.  Ralph was born in Worcester, son of the late Anthony P. and Eleanor (Bizzarro) D’Elia and has lived here most of his life.  He served his nation proudly in the United States Army, during the Korean Conflict.

Ralph spent over sixty years in the tobacco and candy business and for several years he co-owned Western Mass Tobacco and Candy Co.  Following his retirement, he remained active for seventeen years working as a “Registry Runner” for Braley & Wellington Insurance Agency Corp., working his last day Wednesday, February 28.

Ralph was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish, and the Chester P. Tuttle Post in Auburn.  He loved being with his family, loved his Sunday afternoon car rides with the love of his life, taking in the beauty of nature and enjoyed watching New England sports.  

Ralph will be remembered as a kind, generous, and loving man, who was never shy about sharing a smile.

Calling Hours will be on Wednesday, March 6, from 4 pm until 7 pm in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  His Funeral will be on Thursday, March 7, departing the funeral home at 10:35 am, in procession to an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester.  Interment will follow at Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

Donations in his memory may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, by visiting www.stjude.org.