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Ralph Bova Obituary
88 died peacefully at home on Monday, March 28, 2011. Born in Long Branch, he lived in Wayne, Michigan and Scottsdale, Arizona before moving back to New Jersey in 2007. He resided in Middletown. He retired from a long and distinguished career in Corporate Travel Sales with American Airlines. Ralph served our country in the National Guard and the Air Force during WWII. Ralph will be remembered for his kind and gentle demeanor and for his wonderful smile which he gave to all he met. He was a gentleman to the very end. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, James and Beatrice Bova, his brothers Paul and Gregory Bova as well as his sister, Theresa Bova Skerl. Ralph was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia in 2004 as well as their son and only child, Edward J. Bova, who was Killed in action in Vietnam, February 6, 1968 at the age of 19 years. Their son was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. One of Ralph and Pat's greatest tributes to their son Eddie and to Veterans everywhere, was the fact that they were the driving force to build VFW Post 9885 now known as the CPL. Edward J. Bova - 246th C Bn. Post in Westland, Michigan. Surviving are his brothers Joseph Bova and his wife Mary Ellen of Oceanport, Peter Bova and his wife Dorothy of Oceanport, a sister Frances Bova Cartier and her husband Vincent of Middletown as well as his sister-in-laws Ruth L. Bova of Middletown, Opal Bova of Lakewood and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Bobbie Wagner of Scottsdale, Arizona. Ralph leaves behind many nieces and nephews in New Jersey, Connecticut and Michigan. A memorial service to celebrate Ralph's life will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 11 am at the Middletown Reformed Church, 121 Kings Highway, Middletown, New Jersey. Interment will be at Michigan Memorial Cemetery in Flat Rock, Michigan where Ralph will be laid to rest with Patricia and Eddie. As an expression of sympathy, please consider a donation in memory of Ralph to VFW Post 9885, 6440 Hix Road, Westland, Michigan 48185.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Bova
5 Entries
Stephanie Nolan nee Fronczek
April 14, 2011
So sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. I only just found out. My mother, Josie Bova always spoke very highly of her cousin "Ralphie". He would always come visit her when he was back in Long Branch. She always looked forward to those visits.
Linda Sletten
April 4, 2011
" He was the sweetest, gentlest person that I have ever known and the best Uncle that I could have ever asked for. This world was truly a better place to have had him in it. I am so proud to have had him as my Uncle and I am going to miss him so very much, but I know that he is now with the loves of his life, Aunt Patricia and cousin Eddie
April 2, 2011
Sorry for your loss. It is very sad to loss a loved one. God invite us to refuge on him and He himself will help you with your sorrow. He also promise to bring them back to life in an earthly paradise.
Sincerely,
Lynette Gonzalez
Mariann (Nina) Ciampa
March 31, 2011
This has been a very sad few months. My memories of Ralph and his family are treasures. We so looked forward to their visits. Now another angel to add to my prayers.
Gregory Bova
March 31, 2011
To all of the Bova Families that came to this Country for Italy,we say "Hello" and God Bless to all" . We have lost another cousin and family member. When ever Cousin Ralph came to Long Branch he away made it a point to see as many cousins as possible, and I am sorry that I had not seen Ralph in a long time, he will always be remembered as part of Bova Clan . Marge and I send or deepest sympathy to all of our cousins and Family. We are sorry we can not be there but will be there in Spirit Love to all Marge and Greg Bova
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