Ralph L. Pellerito Jr.

Ralph L. Pellerito Jr.

October 23, 1946 - August 21, 2025

With great love, we remember Ralph L. Pellerito Jr.-a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, friend, Army veteran, police sergeant, antique dealer and collector. Ralph passed away at home on August 21, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished more than anything.

Ralph grew up in Bay Head, New Jersey, in the big red house on Bridge Avenue and carried his love of his hometown throughout his life. He served proudly in the U.S. Army in Mannheim, Germany, before returning to wear another uniform closer to home as a Bay Head police officer. For 25 years, he served his community with compassion and dedication, retiring as Sergeant in 1992. Whether saving a young woman's life with CPR, directing traffic after Mass at Sacred Heart Church, or offering a smile to neighbors, Ralph left everyone he encountered better for knowing him.

One of Ralph's greatest blessings came almost fifty years ago, when he met Kathy Moran during a stroll on East Avenue. That meeting began a love story that spanned 41 years of marriage, countless adventures, and even a 30th anniversary vow renewal with their close friend Father Kevin Ashe. Together, Ralph and Kathy filled their lives with joy-rooting (and occasionally arguing) over their beloved sports teams. A giant of a man himself, Ralph's fandom heart belonged to the NY Giants baseball team (even after they left for San Francisco) and the NY Giants football team. He indulged Kathy's love of the NY Yankees, her love of raising her Gorden and Irish Red and White Setters, and sharing laughter over antiques he restored into treasures. He especially enjoyed the Flea Markets at Allaire Village, talking to his friends and customers while spending the day with his best bud, Jeff. Many friends and family members today proudly own a "Ralph original," whether a piece of furniture, a wooden box or a decoy.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph L. and Mary Costello Pellerito; his son, Ralph L. Pellerito III; his sister, Elaine Pellerito Beirne; and eleven faithful setters who surely leaped to greet him across the Rainbow Bridge. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his "special" daughter, Lisa Ann Pellerito of Brick, NJ; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kim Pellerito of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ; his adored granddaughters, Madison and MacKenzie; his sisters Suzanne Demarest and Betty Pyne (husband Tom); his nephew and several nieces, and a wide circle of beloved friends. Of course, Daisy and Maggie-the rescue dogs who will miss him deeply too.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on September 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 751 Main Avenue, Bay Head, NJ.

In his memory, Ralph asked for kindness to be passed on through donations to either:

St. Gregory's Pantry, 804 Bay Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

or

Jersey Shore Animal Center, 185 Brick BIvd. Brick NJ 0872

As Emerson once wrote: "I shall pass this way but once: any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness / can show to any human being, let me do it now, let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Ralph lived those words every day-with duty, kindness, a steadfast heart, and always a bit of humor.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan - JerseyShoreCremation.com