Ralph R. Orefice

Ralph R. Orefice

AGE: 81 • Avon-by-the-Sea

Ralph R. Orefice, 81, of Avon-by-the-Sea, formerly of Ridgefield, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born in the Bronx and attended Christopher Columbus High School. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge, he graduated from Pace University, where he was the recipient of the Trustee Award and was active in the Drama Club, receiving the Torch Bearer Award for his performances. Ralph was owner/partner with his late brother, John, in Orefice Bros., a family jewelry business. He later moved the business to Edgewater and Ridgefield, as Orefice II. He also served for 13 years as the Director of Public Assistance for the Borough of Ridgefield. Ralph was a former Parish Council President and Trustee of St. Matthew Church, Ridgefield. Upon his retirement to Avon-by-the Sea, he became a parishioner of St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish. He was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Ridgefield Art Association. Ralph's greatest accomplishment was being a devoted husband, selfless father, and doting Granddad.

Ralph is survived by the love of his life, Norma (Ferris), his wife of 51 years; and his children and their spouses and partners, Fran Orefice and Maureen Weir, Rafe and Amy Levinore, Jen and Keith Maurer, Paul Orefice and Ron Veltri, Andrew Orefice and Antoinette DiMiceli, James and Heather Orefice, and Luke Orefice and Jim Reilly, as well as his 8 grandchildren, Gabrielle, Gina, Melody, Cameron, Jake, Maddy, Leo, and the late Ellie Rose. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth, and sister-in-law, Gerri, his sister-in-law, Ann, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends, especially Caroline Petermann. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Anna Orefice, his brother, John, his mother- and father-in-law, Frances and Dominick Ferris, and his sisters-in-law, Teresa Madonna and Mae Leo.

Friends and family are invited to visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012 at the Ely Funeral Home, 3316 Hwy. 33 Neptune. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 at St. Elizabeth of Hungry Church, 424 Lincoln Ave., Avon, NJ 07717, with the entombment to follow in St. Catherine's Cemetery, Wall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Avon-by-the-Sea First Aid & Safety Squad. Condolences may also be made online at www.elyfuneralhome.com.