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Alphonse Ratto Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Alphonse Ratto
Lauren Ratto
April 25, 2023
I remember how he was nice to his students in mineola high school my grandfather made an impact on my dad and me even though I never met him he´s still in my heart always
Denise Nardella
October 21, 2017
I remember you Mr Ratto I was in the class of 1992 Thank You for all the fatherly love you gave to your students. May you Rest In Eternal Peace
Denise Nardella
Russell Nemecek
February 18, 2011
To the Ratto Family,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all of you. Al was a former teacher, friend and neighbor. His kindness and friendship to my mother on Garfield Avenue will always be appreciated.
jana beasley
December 20, 2010
Mr. Ratto, what a guy! yes, i remember him saying "you, you, and you... in my office!" one year he hid across the street in his car on halloween to see who egged his house, he got out of his car, "you, you and you... in my office... monday morning!" i still tell stories about him, never knew where he would show up! he really loved the kids!!! will never forget him!
Martha
November 23, 2010
I miss Mr. Ratto. He was strong and got respect from the students, but was also there to help those who needed them. I am sorry to the Ratto family for their loss.
March 28, 2010
To the Ratto Family, I extend my deepest condolences. Al was a terrific educator who made a real difference in the lives of countless Mineola students. He was a great guy. May he rest in peace.
Tom DiNapoli
Clifford Affigne
March 19, 2010
I would like to offer my condolences to the Ratto family. I'm truly sorry for your loss. I have always considered Mr. Ratto a fond memory of my youth. He will be missed always. Clifford M. Affigne
Lisa Ruscigno Eskelin
March 14, 2010
My sincere condolences to Mr.Ratto's family and friends. I had him for my Earth Science class, and even babysat for Chris once. He kept many people in the class of '74 out of trouble-it was like having your tough but kind Uncle with you at school, but you never knew where he might show up, so you had to be on your best behavior.
Ryan Drake
March 13, 2010
I distinctly remember,Mr. Ratto with the preverbial "come here you yahoo" chasing us up and down the hill by Mc Guinnes's if I spelled it right. as everyone stated In the other posts, he truely cared about us like we were his own. He actually cared about us more than some of our own parents did.. or could. I had the pleasure of running into him and the two sons at Roosevelt Field in 1996-1997, when I was back in New York for a year before moving back to Louisiana . I told him that I was sorry for being such a jerk and putting him therough hell in High School and that I appreciated what he did for us. We gave each other a hug. oh by the way, he was happy I cleaned up my act. I will be forever grateful for GOD putting him in our lives.I will never forget him for the rest of my life......MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALPHONSE RATTO....... AND YOUR FAMILY TOO....
March 13, 2010
Uncle Al,
You are truly missed... but I know you are in a better place!
Love Linda Moore-Colorado Springs
Donna Baron
March 12, 2010
I would like to give my condolences to the Ratto family. Mr. Ratto was a good man, my thoughts and prayers are with you. D.B. class of 1988.
Peter Cooper
March 12, 2010
My sympathy goes out to the Ratto family. As a student I remember Mr Ratto as a tough but fair guy. I was hoping to see him at our 40 reunion this coming October. He had been posting on Reunion.com, had no idea he was I'll. Rest in peace Mr Ratto. Peter J. Cooper MHS Class of 1970
Kim Harmon-Creighton
March 11, 2010
Mr Ratto was always a Guardian and now he is a Guardian Angel, The impression of him will live on forever..God Bless the Ratto family.. a legacy to be remembered by all..
Kim Harmon-Creighton
March 11, 2010
The spirit of Mr. Ratto will long be remembered..He was always a guardian, and now a guardian Angel..god bless a true legacy
Morty Wolitzer
March 11, 2010
I worked with Al at Mineola H.S. for many years,andhave many fond memories of him--a great guy, he will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Terese Ryan
March 11, 2010
Thank You Mr. Ratto, for a job well done. God Bless.
Jason Danisi
March 11, 2010
Mr. Ratto was a great man. He always had a warm smile, a firm handshake, and had the ability to make you feel welcome as one of the family when ever you visited him or talked to him. I am going to miss him.
Kathleen Sereduke
March 11, 2010
They say that people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. As a former Mineola student myself, and from knowing Al Ratto as he kept my sons on the straight and narrow, this is one man who covered all the bases. His reason was to educate and nurture his students in a way that made everyone know how much he really cared. He was in my season, then again the seasons of my sons, and left us with a lifetime of memories. He truly was a wonderful man, and will always be in our hearts...we all have our Mr. Ratto stories. Our prayers go out to all of your family members.
K T
March 11, 2010
Mr. Ratto was one in a million. Such a great role model to so many students at MHS. His smile and laughter was so contagious. We will fondly remember you always. MHS Class of '98
Kathryn Symington Battafarano
March 11, 2010
Mr. Ratto was a great man, who made a difference in the lives of almost everyone that knew him. He was there to listen and help. He will be missed. My condolences to his friends and family. Kathryn Symington Battafarano class of 1978.
Lynn Morehouse
March 10, 2010
He taught Earth Science my freshman year and I remember if you appeared too tense during an exam, he'd sock you in the back. Always broke the tension. My dad Frank was also his mailman on Westbury Ave. He was a wonderful teacher an will be missed. Lynn Morehouse - Class of '75
Debbie Donovan
March 10, 2010
Al gave me the best advice of my teaching career. "Never show 'em fear." He was a role model for me as a young Bio teacher. Alchanged more kids lives than he ever knew, as colleagues we knew his heart and some of the students did too.
Debbie Donovan
Ana Ugarte
March 10, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Ratto's family. I remember him very well, and realize now as a mother how lucky we were to have someone like him at MHS watching over us. God Bless!
Michael Holowecki
March 10, 2010
Thoughts and prayers to the family of this wonderful man. He was truly an honorable and well-respected gentleman. Rest in Peace Mr. Ratto.
Annemarie Brophy
March 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. Mr. Ratto was a very special person to many who went to Mineola High School. He was a positive role model and touched many peoples hearts.
March 10, 2010
My memories of Mr. Ratto were originally of pure fear.
Now my memories of Mr. Ratto are respect, deep appreciation and admiration.
We weren't bad kids but there were days when we gave that man a run for his money! Thinking we were so shrewd, we played every game we could in our attempts to outrun "Ratto".
He caught us virtually every time.
I can still hear him....."Are you done with that cigarette, HOTSHOT?
Good, in my office.... NOW!"
What most of us failed to understand back then is that he wasn't a hateful man just trying to be mean. He was a good man acting like a devoted dad. Just trying to get his kids back on track. He was holding us to a standard that was a lot higher than most of wanted to go at that time! When most instructors didn't care less about what we were doing, Mr. Ratto took a far different road.
By his own example, he taught us what accountability, boundaries, humility, responsibility and respect really meant.
I can honestly say that I learned more "life lessons" (just from being chased down by Mr. Ratto!) than I did in 4 years of classes at MHS with any other teacher! For that I am eternally grateful.
May God rest his generous heart and wonderful soul and may God also give peace to his entire family during this difficult time. Godspeed on your journey Mr Ratto and thank you!
Most sincerely,
Ingrid Ericsen, Oviedo, Fl.
(MHS class of '79)
Nora Ammirati
March 10, 2010
Everyone in Mineola High School knew Mr. Ratto. He was tough but had a heart of gold.
Nora Ammirati
Mineola, NY
Peter Whitten
March 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your Dad was well respected and a understanding man, the ones he helpped the most understood him a little better later in their lives ...Rest in Peace Mr Ratto
Ana Costa (MHS 1995) and family
March 10, 2010
A wonderful man and role model. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Tammy Liss
March 10, 2010
some people think of angels on earth as these sweet, gentle beings - when I think of angels - Mr. Ratto fits the bill better - a tough, fierce warrior - protector of those who needed protection, even if it was from themselves. I have always thought of you fondly over the years. I appreciate everything you did or tried to do for me. I will miss you.
- one of your beloved "yahoo's"
donna luecke
March 10, 2010
my prayers are with you. he was a really nice person we all loved him!!
Kris Ericsen-Meehan
March 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. Your Dad will always be remembered by Mineola High School students over the decades with respect, appreciation & affection. May he rest in peace..
Joseph Galante
March 10, 2010
Al was a very well-respected person who gave a great deal to his Mineola community. In his role as an educator he touched so many lives. My prayers go out to his family and all those for whom Al meant so much.
Marly Ramos and Family
March 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Linda Mayce
March 10, 2010
Mr. Ratto worked very hard trying to keep the students of Mineola High School on the right path. He easily earned the respect of all who knew him.
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