Ralph P. Rossi

Ralph P. Rossi, 92, of Ludlow passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 25, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ludlow, June 3, 1922, he was the son of the late Enrico and Maria (Allegroni) Rossi.

A lifelong Ludlow resident, Ralph was a graduate of Ludlow High School and attended Northeastern University Trade School. He proudly served his country as a torpedoman in the U.S. Navy during WWII, with service is the European African Middle Eastern Theater and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. He received the WWII Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Upon his return, Ralph worked as a tool maker for the Springfield Armory until its closing in 1968, General Electric and local industry until his retirement at age 70.

He married Joann Akey in 1956: together they shared 58 years of married life.

Ralph is survived by his wife Joann; three sons Peter A. Rossi and his wife Karen of Wilbraham, MA; John R. Rossi and his wife Jane of Berlin, CT and David J. Rossi of Berlin, CT and his significant other Lori Dawid of Derby, CT and a daughter, Dr. Ann M. Rossi of Charlottesville, VA. He leaves his beloved grandchildren Jessica, Amanda, Michael, Alec and Matthew Rossi. Ralph also leaves his sister and brother in law, Elizabeth and Leo Darsigny of East Longmeadow, MA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Paul and Geno Rossi and sister Gena Krause.

He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, who enjoyed spending time with his family and will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. He was a technology enthusiast, an avid reader who kept up to date on local, national and international news and events. He had a longtime affiliation with the Catholic Church and was a devoted communicant. He loved to walk and bicycle around Ludlow on a daily basis to see the changes over his lifetime. He was remarkable man who led an exemplary life.