RALPH JOSEPH SABATINO

1921 - 2015

Ralph Joseph Sabatino
of Dunstable, MA; 93

DUNSTABLE, MA -- Ralph Joseph Sabatino, of Dunstable, MA, devoted husband, father, and Catholic, entered into eternal peace on April 12, 2015, at the age of 93.
He was born in Cambridge, MA to the late Santo and C. Frances (Procopio) Sabatino on November 16, 1921. As a Veteran of World War II (101st, Infantry Mass. National Guard "M." Company (1938-1941); 101st Infantry Regiment 26th (Yankee) Division "M." Company (1941-1943); 91st Infantry (Pine Tree) Division 362nd Division 3rd Battalion 3rd Platoon"M." Company (1943-1945)) reaching the rank of Tech/Staff Sergeant and recipient of the the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Army of Occupation-Germany Medal, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal, Ralph took great pride in his country and continued memberships in the 101st Infantry Veterans Association (President 1988-1990 and National Commander 1993), 26th Yankee Division Veterans Association (Commander 1991-1992), Disabled American Veterans (Commander 1987-1988), American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars throughout his life. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the New England School of Law. He worked 34 years for the United States Post Office, Boston and taught in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Public School System over 20 years. Mr. Sabatino served on the Dunstable Free Public Library Building Committee (1995-1998), Dunstable Council on Aging (2001-2009), and as a Veterans Agent (1991-2004) making a "significant contribution to establishing the position as the independent position it is today". He loved being with his family, playing the organ, vegetable gardening, music, ballroom dancing, having family cookouts, and studying World War II history.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Karleen (Rich) Sabatino of more than 65 years; his children: Susan and husband, Bud Makevich, Gail and husband, Norman Jefferson, R. Douglas Sabatino and wife, Patricia, Adele and husband, Herbert Bittner; his siblings: Marie Ianelli, Cosmo Sabatino, Elizabeth DeFabritis, George Sabatino, and Anthony Sabatino; pre-deceased by his brother, Albino Sabatino and sister, Carmella Napoleone ; his grandchildren: April Pieper, Donna Bratton, Richard Montbleau, Shane Cassidy, Melissa Wolfram, Peter Wyman, James Sabatino, Laura Bittner, Emily Burkart, Gwendolyn Bittner; and his great-grandchildren: Bella and Aiden Montbleau, and Lucas Bratton; nieces and nephews, many cousins, and devoted friend, Ann Collentro.
SABATINO -- Visiting Hrs. Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 5-8 PM at the Hamilton-McGaffigan FH, 37 Main St. (Rte.113), PEPPERELL, MA.. A Mass of Christian Burial worship will be held Friday April 17, 2015 , 10 AM at Our Lady of Grace Parish St. Joseph's Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, MA. A Committal Service will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetary, Bourne, April 27, 2015 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: the Wounded Warriors Project at: www.woundedwarriorproject.org and Boys Town P.O. Box 6000, Boys Town, Nebraska 68010 or boystown.org. Please see www.mcgaffiganfuneral.com.