Ralph A. Gaetano

Ralph A. Gaetano AmsterdamRalph A. Gaetano Jr. passed away on September 3, 2012 at the age of 68. He was born in Tacoma, Washington on September 15, 1943 to Ralph and Elizabeth (Teddy) Gaetano. A lifelong resident of Amsterdam, he graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1961. Ralph was a real estate broker for Gaetano Realty and was the vice president of Business Development for BBL Construction Services for the past 21 years. He has been in the construction industry for over 45 years and contributed to numerous projects throughout Amsterdam and was instrumental in the growth and expansion of St. Mary's Hospital. Ralph was very active in the Amsterdam Community throughout his life and served on various boards and committees, including the Foundation of St. Mary's Hospital and the City of Amsterdam Golf Commission. He also served as the Assessor for the Town of Amsterdam. Ralph was a generous and giving spirit who quietly touched the lives of many. To know Ralph was to appreciate his sense of humor and the kindness he possessed. We are blessed to have been a part of his life. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) Henderson and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Henderson. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Linda Henderson Gaetano; daughter, Shelli Healy (Chris) of Jupiter, FL; son, Brian Gaetano (Lisa) of Amsterdam; grandson, Jace Healy; sisters, Cheryl Craft (Glenn) of Minneapolis, MN, Susan Naple (Tim) of Coronado, CA, Gayle Gardner (Tim) of Albuquerque, NM; father-in-law, James Henderson; brothers and sister-in-law, James Henderson (Helen), Edward Henderson, Barbara Young (Edmond); nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Special thanks to St. Mary's Hospital, the staff of Maria Hall, Dr. Paul Salerno, Dr. Michael Hardies and Dr. Nancy Knudsen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, St. John St., Amsterdam with Father Lawrence J. Decker as celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam. Interment will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers it is the family's request that donations be made to the Montgomery County S.P.C.A. State Hwy 5S, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please sign the family guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com