Ralph Sabatino

SABATINO, Ralph Age 70, passed away surrounded by family on September 25, 2024, in Danvers, MA following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He grew up in Belmont, MA and graduated from Belmont High School in 1972, then went on to earn a Bachelors Degree from Mass College of Art and Design.

Ralphie was the eldest child in a family of gifted athletes. Friends of his and his siblings always hoped to make the "Sabatino Team" and he was always the first person to encourage someone or provide some coaching to a friend. This kindness was a hallmark of his personality and followed him through his entire life. In addition to being a talented athlete, Ralphie was also a gifted student and artist. He had a long career as a designer/salesman with Pools by Andrews that spanned the better part of four decades. If you've ever ridden in the car with him he has likely pointed to multiple locations and told you "I built a pool over there!" He loved good food and always knew the best places to go to, even on the other side of the country. He was an amazing cook and a master on the grill, and loved to grill up the veggies that he grew in his garden, his happy place. He loved classic rock (especially The Allman Brothers Band and The Grateful Dead) and loved to play the guitar. If there was an acoustic guitar in your house when he came by you could be sure that he would play it. He was the biggest Boston sports fan, for better or worse! Introducing his grandkids to the Garden and Fenway Park was a core memory for him.

But of all the things he loved the most in life, his family and friends topped the list. Ralphie was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather and a fiercely loyal friend. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he spent his weekends traveling back and forth across Massachusetts to get to as many of their games as possible (unless he was golfing with his brothers and friends on summer Saturday mornings!). He will be deeply missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

Ralphie was predeceased by his beloved parents Alice and Ralph "Sabby" Sabatino. He is survived by his wife Mary Cannon and their beloved dog Peggy Sue; his daughter Lisa Gallini and her husband Mike; his stepdaughter Nikki Murphy and her husband Carey; his son Sargeant Raphael Sabatino; the five absolute joys of his life, his beloved grandchildren Emily, Andrew, Grayson, Sienna and Cameron; his brother Bobby (Anna) Sabatino, brother Ricky (Sheila) Sabatino, sister Debbie (Paul) St. Cyr, brother Randy Sabatino and his significant other Cathy Currie; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends who were like family to him. A celebration of life will be held at the VFW in Cambridge on October 6th from 1-5pm. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend. Please wear a favorite Boston sports team item, Grateful Dead shirt, or funny socks if attending to honor his playful spirit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph's name to the Wounded Warriors Project.