Ralph A. Persico

Ralph A. Persico, 82, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, in West Hartford CT with his family by his side.  Ralph was born on May 5, 1942, In New Haven CT and was the beloved son of the late Ralph and Mary Amore Persico. He grew up in Guilford for the first years of his life and often reminisced about how much he enjoyed those early years at his house with the “big yard” and how he would play outside until dusk with his brothers and cousins.  His family then moved to St John Street in New Haven CT right around the corner from the famous Wooster Street.  His father “Leggy” worked for Frank Pepes Pizzeria for many years and up until the very end of Puz’s life he never could turn down a trip to Pepes for an Original Tomato Pie with garlic and hot red pepper.  He often talked about the days when the Wooster Street location served Littleneck clams on the half shell, he insisted on asking for them when we would visit even though they stopped serving many years prior.  Ralph was predeceased by his wife Joanne after 37 years of marriage.  Even through the tough times of his wife passing so young, Pop, as he was known, to 8 grandchildren, never stopped being the best grandpa he could be.  Pop was a loving caring man who adored his 2 daughters Jackie Faherty and her Husband Chris of Hamden as well as Krista Kennedy and her husband Ryan of West Hartford.  He would never miss a sporting event, dance recital or graduation for any of his 8 grandchildren, Christopher, Daniel, Joseph, Jessica, Jack, Jamie Brendan & Brooke.   He also cherished his annual summer vacations to Cape Cod, first with his parents to Truro at Days cottages then once he started his own family to West Dennis.  He also enjoyed, in the later years of his life, visiting Martha’s Vineyard.  Puz loved the beach, though he often would wade only up to his ankles in the ocean for fear of the Rogue wave he swore was bound to get him.  Puz enjoyed a good cigar, Dirty Martini and listening to Frank Sinatra as well as rooting for his Giants and Yankees. He also enjoyed reading his New York Post, upon his return from a long day of work, as well as making his “much loved by all” Sunday pot of sauce and meatballs for his family.  He developed many friendships through the years as a professional painter.  Ralph was predeceased by his wife Joanne, parents Ralph and Mary and two brothers Frank (Champ) Persico & Tony Persico.  Puz will be sorely missed by his two daughters and grandchildren but the memories he left us with will live on forever.  A Private Service for the family will be held on Monday Oct 14th at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Hamden CT at 11am.  Burial to follow at St Mary’s Cemetery.