Ralph A. Matteo

1942 - 2025

Ralph A. Matteo
Ralph A. Matteo passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025 at the age of 83. Born and raised in Middletown, Connecticut, he was the son of State Senator Michael Matteo and Angeline (Cello) Matteo, whose example of public service helped shape his lifelong commitment to helping others. Ralph met his wife, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Curt, while they were both students at Bridgeport University. Betty and Ralph were married for 61 years. In college, he was a member of the National Social Science Honor Society and Pi Gamma Nu. He later earned a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut, launching a distinguished career with the State of Connecticut. He held leadership roles at Connecticut Valley Hospital and Cedarcrest Hospital, where he served as a respected hospital administrator and expert in psychiatric social work. He also contributed his wisdom, insights, and heart to numerous boards, including Whiting Forensic and Gilead House. He served a leadership role on the board of directors of New England Residential Services, where his special needs daughter Allyson was a beloved resident. A lifelong music lover, Ralph played the trumpet and led the band Evergreen, performing at community events and senior dances. After retiring, he rediscovered his passion and founded Cadenza – A Brass Quintet, bringing music to audiences across Connecticut. As he once told the Hartford Courant in 1998, "I didn't realize just how much time I'd spend playing music, and I'm enjoying every moment." As a founding member of the Middletown Symphonic Band, Ralph helped shape a musical institution that brought joy and connection to generations of listeners. What began as a small community ensemble grew into a beloved regional fixture under the dedication of musicians like Ralph, who believed deeply in the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift. His decades of playing with the band reflected not just a love of performance, but a commitment to community spirit, civic pride, and the simple beauty of people gathering to share music. In addition to his wife Betty, he is survived by his sisters, children, grandchildren and many cousins. Ralph was a loving brother to Allie Niemiec and Michele Stanley and husband Paul. Ralph was a devoted and proud father to Melissa Matteo O'Hara and husband, John O'Hara, and Michael Matteo and wife Cassandra (Creto) Matteo. He was predeceased by his daughter, Allyson Mary Matteo, who passed away in 2022 and held a cherished place in his heart every day. He found endless joy in his grandchildren-Erica Matteo, and Michael Matteo, Jack O'Hara and wife Alyssa O'Hara, and Suzanne O'Hara, He never missed a chance to cheer them on or celebrate their accomplishments. More than anything, Ralph wanted it to be known how deeply proud he was of his family-their achievements, their compassion, and the lives they are building. His love for them was steady, strong, and filled with admiration. Ralph's legacy lives on in the music he loved, the work he devoted himself to, and the family he held so dear. His Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday (Aug. 4th) at 1 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Elm St., Middletown. Burial will be in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Rockfall. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown on Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.