Ralph Louis Pandolfe Sr.

PANDOLFE, Ralph Louis Sr. On Wednesday (September 26, 2007) Ralph Louis Pandolfe, Sr.'s spirit left this earth to enter into eternal rest with our heavenly Father. Ralph was the beloved husband of Mary (LaCava) Pandolfe for 68 years. He was the son of the late Louis and Francesca Pandolfe (Francesca Pandolfe passed away very shortly after Ralph's birth) and was raised by Louis and Concetta (Giuliano) Pandolfe in Columbia Gardens, located in the South End of Hartford. He attended the original Kinsella School in Hartford and was a member of the first graduation class. He went on to Bulkeley High School for a short period of time where he was named to the Honor Roll and was known to excel in mathematics. After leaving high school, he labored with great energy and enthusiasm along with his father and brothers, Frank, Joseph and James, salvaging scrap and dry goods from the refuse lot in the South Meadows. Eventually their efforts and long hours of labor resulted in the formation of the family business that was known as Pandolfe's New and Used Auto Parts, Inc. The main focus of the business was in the areas of used parts, repairs, glass restoration, new parts, demolition and dismantling of automobiles, rebuilding engines and body restoration of damaged vehicles. Over the years, Ray belonged to Hartford Chapter of UNICO National, the South End Seniors, several automobile dismantling organizations and Incarnation Church Men's Club. Besides his cherished, compassionate, devoted and loving wife, Mary, he leaves his daughters, Francesca and husband, Robert Johnston, Gloria and husband, James J. Allen, III and Patricia Anne Pandolfe; his sons, Robert T. Pandolfe and wife, Linda (Bordieri) Pandolfe and Ralph L. Pandolfe, Jr.; grandchildren, Justin, Sandra, Julie, Michael, Jay and Robert; and great grandsons, Nathan and Aaron "AJ". He was predeceased by his cherished and loving grandson, Anthony R. Pandolfe. Also, Ralph was predeceased by his wonderful, caring sisters who were wonderful friends to he and Mary, Esther Lauria, Carmela Karwan and Philomena DiPietro, and his brothers, Joseph and James Pandolfe. He leaves his caring and loving sisters, Lucy Ratti and Marion Caruso and brother, Frank Pandolfe. He also leaves his caring, wonderful sisters-in-law, Rose Cancelmo, Eleanor D'Esopo, Antoinette Cicalese, Francesca Dammiller and Anne Marie Murasso, brothers-in-law Rocco LaCava and wife, Dolores, Domenic LaCava and wife, Annette, and Victoria (Gagliardi) LaCava, spouse of his beloved, late brother-in-law, Jerry LaCava, who was very close to the Pandolfe family, numerous forever thoughtful and caring nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grand nephews in the LaCava and Pandolfe families. Ralph was an ardent, loyal Red Sox fan all of his life. He LOVED the sport of baseball and spent what little free time he had following all aspects of the sport, and also organized and managed youth games between Chapman Beach/Westbrook and Indian Town, Cornfield Point Beach/Old Saybrook in the summertime. In his early years he was most fortunate to both meet with and watch play the great players such as Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and Ted Williams. What a tremendous joy it was for him to see his beloved Boston Red Sox win the "big prize" in October of 2004! FINALLY! Ray's family wishes to thank the wonderful staff that rendered service to him on numerous visits to the ER at Hartford Hospital and to all who attended him during his in-patient care, the caring and knowledgeable staff at Wethersfield Health Care Center, Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance Association and the Wethersfield Police Department. Special thanks, also to all the professional men and women who assisted him from VNA of Glastonbury, Companions and Homemakers and VNA Hospice of Glastonbury – what a remarkable, caring group of caregivers. Thank you. The family wishes to thank Fr. Jeremiah Murasso, his beloved nephew, Fr. Frederick Aniello, Fr. James Moran and Fr. John Edwards for their many blessings bestowed on Ray as well as their compassionate visits over the years. Ralph was deeply loved, patiently cared for and will be missed greatly. His peaceful demeanor and humble disposition will be remembered forever. Enjoy your eternal rest with the Lord. We loved you…..Funeral services will be Saturday with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15 a.m. in Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. The Mass will be celebrated by Father Jeremiah Murasso. The family requests all those attending please go directly to church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. The D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Keane Foundation, P.O. Box 290742, Wethersfield, CT 06129-0742. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.