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Ralph Degli Obizzi Obituary
Of Newark and Lewes, DE, passed away October 23, 2011 at his home in Newark surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Ralph was born on July 7, 1933 to the late Brunetto and Agnes Degli Obizzi. He graduated from St. Paul's Parochial School in 1948 and Salesianum High School in 1952. He married his high school sweetheart Kathleen "Kitty" Delcollo and together they had eight children, twenty-five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Ralph proudly served in the United States Army Signal Corps during the Korean War. He was a plumber by trade and established his company, Ralph G. Degli Obizzi and Sons, Inc., in 1969 where he later worked with his five sons for over 40 years. He was a member and past president of the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Delaware, and a charter member and past president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware. Ralph was a lifelong member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church and Bishop Monaghan Knights of Columbus Council. He was inducted into the Salesianum Hall of Fame in 2006.
Ralph was a winemaker and enjoyed sharing his wine with his family and friends. He was an avid Phillies fan and enjoyed traveling, boating, gardening, and cooking for his family. He always enjoyed a good party with family and friends and the finer things in life.
He is survived by his wife Kitty and his eight children, Ralph Jr. and Debbie Degli Obizzi, Kathy and John Foster, Joseph and Pam Degli Obizzi, Mark and Kathie Degli Obizzi, Mary Agnes and Nick Padovani, Christine and Patrick McGovern, Anthony Degli Obizzi and Pam Cronk, and Matthew and Denise Degli Obizzi; his grandchildren Ralph III and Meghan, Aleesa, Michael Degli Obizzi; Tina Foster, Erica and Dan Dougherty, and Kim and Mark Manno; Jennifer and Sam Cutrona, Joseph Jr. and Michelle, and Daniel Degli Obizzi; Mark Jr., Lauren and Eric Collins, and Dianna Degli Obizzi; Desireé, Heather, and Jim Howie; Cassandra Padovani; Megan, Allison, Anastasia, and Katie McGovern; Anthony, Alexander, and Christopher Degli Obizzi; Matthew and Giavanna Degli Obizzi; his great-grandchildren Olivia, Dominic, Owen, Drew, Sophia and Vincent. Also survived by his sisters Florence DiCostanza, Aida Shaw, Eleanor and Michael Geotz, sister-in-law, Jean Roberson, brother-in-law, Pete Chapman and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Woodcrest, on Friday, October 28 at 10 am. Viewing will be held at St. Matthew's Catholic Church on Thursday, October 27 between the hours of 5 and 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made in Ralph's memory to Salesianum Taking Hold Capital Campaign, 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE, 19802 or Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE, 19810.
The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care given by Delaware Hospice, especially Lucy Mealey, RN.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Degli Obizzi
November 7, 2011
To the Family of Ralph G Degli Obizzi Our Love and sympathy to all. We know Ralph was a hard worker great Husband and great Father. We extend to all our deepest sympathy
Maxine & Ed Kelly
Judy Hope
November 3, 2011
I was so very sorry to hear of Ralph Sr.'s passing. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Laura Brignola
October 31, 2011
We would like to express my deepest sympathies for our loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. ~Jay and Laura Brignola
James Brainard County Insulation
October 29, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Rich Ranauto
October 28, 2011
Our sincerest condolences to the Family. We are sure great memories will keep him close to you forever. God bless all .
The Ranauto Family ( Rich, Sherry , Jess, Jenna , Vinnie , Marissa and Anthony)
October 28, 2011
Aunt Kitty, we loved and respected Uncle Ralph with all our hearts. He was a pillar of society and a grand family man. Although we didn't see each other often, when we did it was always such a joy and pleasure. He always greeted us with a smile and hug. He will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the family.
Love,
Christine Matarese
October 28, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Degli Obizzi family. Our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Know that he will continue to watch over you and will never be forgotten.
Love Eric & Lisa Mace
John W Sharp
October 28, 2011
Our Deepest Sympathy to your Family from Kompressed Air Of Delaware. Sincerly, John W Sharp, Jay and Marian Williams.
Samuel kalb
October 28, 2011
Your lost is great but all of you have taken from him that is even greater, his life's spirit. So he lives on. God bless you all!
Johnette Graf
October 28, 2011
I remember sitting in Mr. D's dining room the night before Denise and Matt got married. Mr. D and my mother were reminiscing about the old neighborhood as they were drinking his wine.
Darlene Parry
October 27, 2011
Christine, Megan (& family),
We are so very sorry about the loss of your Dad and Grandfather. Our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rick & Darlene Parry
Riki and Scott
Joyce Hein
October 27, 2011
My deepest sympathies.
Joyce Hein
October 27, 2011
Dear Kitty and Family,
I was so so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. My parents always considered you to be great friends and enjoyed your company over the years. My dad always spoke of Ralph as an amazing guy. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Regina Silverman (Marge and Frank Schiavelli's daughter)
Sullivan
October 27, 2011
Our condolences to the entire family.
Tim and Sheila Sullivan ( and Riyan Sullivan Dansby and Brianne Sullivan Busser)
October 27, 2011
We are sorry to hear about your loss.
Buddy Hellein (Bear, Ind)
Nancy Hellein (Christiana Care)
Egidio Bufano
October 27, 2011
Our sincerest condolences to the entire Degli Obizzi family. The Bufano Family
October 27, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy, John and family for their loss.
Larry and Donna Healy
October 27, 2011
eileen boyle
October 27, 2011
The passing of your husband and dad
is a loss for so many of his friends.
He was generous in his kind gestures,finances and time he offered to everyone including total strangers.
He has been a great example of how to live life to the fullest without apology thats for sure.I wish him a peaceful transition to the next adventures I'm sure he'll take it all in whole heartedly with gusto.
I'm sure my brother Robby will greet him and show him the best places to eat, fish and party with his friends.
The Boyles wish you prayers and sympathy at this time.
Mr D will be remembered by all his friends and missed very much.
October 27, 2011
Christine (Pat),
Our sincere condolences to you and the Degli Obizzi family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob, Janet, Ryan, Kevin and Corey Celenza
Susanna Pastorino
October 27, 2011
Dear Kitty and family, my deepest condolences for the loss of a wonderful man. I will always remember Ralph as an example of strength, dedication for his family and warmth.
He will be forever missed.
MICK MERRIMAN
October 27, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Richard & Lois DeVincentis
October 27, 2011
May GOD Bless The Degli Obizzi Family ~ Please accept our sincere condolences.
Rodney Graham
October 27, 2011
My sincerest condolences to Matthew and the entire Degli Obizzi family. My thoughts are with you.
Rob Fernandes
October 27, 2011
Our sincerest condolences.
Rob and Diane Fernandes
Sue Matthews
October 27, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Degli Obezzi family. You are in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Sue Matthews
Blake Wilson
October 27, 2011
Ralph was a force for his family...a force for his industry...a force for his business...and a force for his fellow man.
He lived life with a passion...and supported his family, his friends, his business, his profession, his values and his faith to the fullest.
For a man of slight stature he cast a huge shadow that influenced for the better the lives of all he touched.
I am better for having known Ralph...and while many miles separated us, I called on his wisdom...which will stay with me the rest of my life.
We miss our fine friend, mentor and leader...and I extend my deepest of sympathy and respect to his wonderful wife, Kitty, and fine family, who he loved deeply.
In great sympathy and sadness,
Blake Wilson
Brandon, Ms
William (JR) Richards
October 26, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 26, 2011
Dear Kitty and your dear family, You may not recall me personally, but I attended dinner at your home several years ago with Richard DeVincentis, Sr. and Giuseppe D'Inca, a photographer from Olevano sul Tusciano, Italy. Giuseppe ("Pippo") called to ask me to extend his sincere expression of sadness to hear of Ralph's passing and tto please include those of Egidio Bufano, who I know you knew well. I, too, send all of you my profound condolences for your loss. The words that come to my mind thinking of Ralph and you are "They are among the kindest people I have ever met."
Mary Ann Bogino, Wilmington, DE
jenncie grove
October 26, 2011
Dear Kitty and Family, we so saddened to learn of the passing of Ralph. Please accept our condolences and know that you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. Jenncie and Jim Grove, Venice, FL
The Reen Family
October 26, 2011
Dear Degli Obizzi family ~
Please accept our most sincere sympathies for your loss.
Betty Lenkiewicz
October 26, 2011
Dear Degli Obizzi Family: The memory of your husband, father, and grandfather will always be cherished by me. His gaiety and wit brightened so many hours in my life. But most of all it was his stature as a person that will be long remembered. In all my association with Ralph, in business, at the house, and/or events, I found him to be a warm, gracious person meriting everyone's respect and admiration. Kitty, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and the family. Affectionately,
Betty Lenkiewicz, Lewes, DE
Betty Lenkiewicz
October 26, 2011
Dear Degli Obizzi Family: The memory of your husband, father, grandfather will always be cherished by me. His gaiety and wit brightened so many hours in my life. But most of all it was his stature as a person that will be long remembered. In all my association with Ralph in business, at his home, or an event, I found him to be a warm, gracious person meriting everyone's respect and admiration. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you at this time of sorrow. Affectionately,
Betty Lenkiewicz, Lewes, DE
S. Graham
October 26, 2011
Dear Family, l was sorry to have read about the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort (1Cor:3,4). May you accept my condolences and prayer.
Kathy Zeccola
October 26, 2011
Degli Obizzi Family,
We are so Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Love, Mike and Kathy Zeccola
October 26, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Joe Twardus
County Insulation
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