Ralph Gervasio Sr.

RALPH A. GERVASIO, SR. 90, of Danville, CA, passed away on October 8, 2011. He was born in Stamford on June 6, 1921 to the late Antonio and Speranza (Russo) Gervasio where he spent most of his adult life. He married, the love of his life, Mary J. Sandoli on October 15, 1945. After retiring from the City of Stamford, Building Department, he enjoyed winters in Vero Beach, Fl, until relocating there permanently in 1998. In 2002 Ralph and Mary moved to Basking Ridge, NJ to live with their daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Charles Festo. He is survived by his sister Harriet Abruscatto, daughter, Donna (Charles) Festo; sons, Ralph, Jr. (Jacquie), and Anthony (Rhonda); six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Mary Sandoli Gervasio, his brother, Daniel, and sisters, Jeanne Baldasare, Mary Attanasio, and Theresa Rotante. Ralph served in the Fifth Army Air Corps as a Flight Engineer from September 2, 1942, through July 5, 1945. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II where he flew over forty-six combat missions earning the Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Asiatic/Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon. He achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant during his service. In 1948 Ralph started Ralph A. Gervasio, Plumbing Heating, which he operated until 1965. Shortly afterward he began a new career as a Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Inspector/Plans Examiner for the City of Stamford. He retired from the City in 1984. Ralph was the president of the Municipal Employee Association, Director and President of the Italian Center of Stamford, Charter Member of the Connecticut Association of Plumbing & Heating Inspectors, Fourth Degree Member of the Knights' of Columbus, and was a member of the Catholic War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion, the Holy Name Society of St. Mary's R.C. Church, and The Stamford Old Timers association which honored him in 1984. Ralph always took pride in the twilight league baseball team he sponsored for many years, the Gervasio Plumbers. Many people and organizations benefited from his generosity and genuine desire to help people. Ralph will be missed by all of his friends and family members who always knew, that in a time of need, he was only a phone call away. A funeral procession will be leaving The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 9:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Mary's RC Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford at 10:00 AM. Entombment will follow at St. John's Mausoleum, Darien. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, October 14, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vitas Hospice Care, 365 Lennon La., Suite 140, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, or the charity of your choice in his name. To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Gervasio family with the arrangements.