Ralph A. Grassia

Ralph A. Grassia, age 85, a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ralph was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on December 9, 1940, the cherished only son of the late Angelo and Thelma (Blythe) Grassia. He spent his early childhood in Somerville alongside his sisters before the family moved to Wilmington in the early 1950s. Ralph quickly became part of the community he would call home for the rest of his life. He attended Wilmington schools and graduated from Wilmington High School, where he met the love of his life, Evelyn "Ev" Ramsdell.

Ralph and Ev were married on July 15, 1962, in a little house on Wildwood Street, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than 59 years. Together they built a loving home, raised their family, and created countless cherished memories.

From a young age, Ralph understood the value of hard work. As a boy, he worked alongside his father Angelo in the family business, Grassia Brothers Oil Company in Somerville, where he learned not only mechanical skills but also the importance of treating people well, especially customers. After graduating from high school, Ralph worked briefly for the Town of Wilmington Cemetery Department before joining the Wilmington Highway Department as a mechanic. Through his dedication, knowledge, and strong work ethic, Ralph became the head mechanic at the "highway barn," a role he held for many years.

In addition to his work with the town, Ralph spent evenings working for Centre Trucking Company in North Reading. After retiring from the highway department, he continued doing what he loved by taking a position as a long-distance truck driver, hauling produce from Massachusetts to Florida. Many of those trips were made even more special with Ev riding along beside him. Throughout his career, Ralph was known as a trustworthy and dependable employee who formed many lasting friendships with his co-workers.

Outside of work, Ralph enjoyed staying active and spending time with friends. He played in the Wilmington Town Park softball league, where he appreciated the friendly competition and the camaraderie among the players. A talented mechanic, Ralph also took great pride in restoring his antique 1941 Ford. He loved traveling with family and friends, and some of his most memorable trips included hunting excursions to Montana, attending rodeos, and making the journey to the Indianapolis 500.

Above all else, Ralph treasured time spent with his family. He especially looked forward to Sunday breakfasts with his son and grandson. Ralph will always be remembered as a good man, a hard worker, and a gifted mechanic whose kindness and humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Ralph was the beloved husband of the late Evelyn Grassia. He was the devoted father of Evelyn "Dolly" (Grassia) Cotto of Wilmington, Julie Ann (Grassia) Hardimon and her husband Mike of North Carolina, and Ralph Grassia Jr. and his wife Gina of Wilmington. He was the loving "Bumpa" of Joey Cotto, Michael Cotto and his wife Siatta, Ricky Cotto and his wife Ari, Jaime Bagrowski and his wife Amanda, Paige Ward, Tyler Calder, Gary Mounsey and his wife Katelyn, Izabella Hardimon and her boyfriend Joe Spell, Zack Grassia, and Zoë Grassia, as well as many great-grandchildren. Ralph was the dear brother of Margaret "Marge" Cornish and the late Celia "Ce" Miller. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, March 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. All are welcome to meet at the funeral home on Friday, March 13, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Dorothy's Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, MA, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.