Ralph Melillo

Ralph Melillo, age 51, beloved husband of Maureen (Hayden) Melillo passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Conn. Hospice after a courageous battle with A.L.S. He was born on June 17, 1959 and was the son of Joan Melillo and the late Edward Melillo. He was a 1977 graduate from East Haven High School then served four years in the United States Navy. Ralph was an employee at Yale University where he worked as a supervisor in Facilities. Prior to Yale he was a service technician at the Southern Connecticut Gas Co. In addition to his cherished wife, Ralph leaves behind his adored daughter Rosemarie and his devoted sons Edward Alphonse and Giovanni Alphonse as well as his dearest sister Nancy Melillo. He was a treasured cousin to Marianne (Richard) Cesare, Jared and Amanda Cesare, Georgianne Nobile, beloved nephew to AnnMarie Nobile and was a respected and loved friend of Margaret Melillo. He was son-in-law to Mary Hayden and the late Bernard Hayden, Sr. of Orange. He was also uncle to Chelsea and Shawn Hayden, Michael and Louie Crotta, and Oliver and Maddie Hayden. He was brother-in-law to the late Bernie (Janet) Hayden, Jr., Karen Brockett, Brenda, Danny, and Brian (Glenda) Hayden as well as Christina, Hugh, Mike and Anna (Steve) Duhs. He was predeceased by his Uncle Alphonse (Fritz) Nobile and his baby cousin Michael Richard Cesare. He was an avid New York Yankee's and Boston Bruin's fan. He loved sports and spent free time coaching T-Ball and youth hockey. Ralph was the true definition of the word friend and being such a humble man, he truly did not see all the lives he touched with his kindness. This was proven at a benefit given by his friends in March which was attended by over 500 people. Whether it was his 4th of July extravaganzas, his "haunted garage" on Halloween or his big red Santa suit at Christmas, Ralph will always be remembered for his gift of giving. "The only legacy you really have in life is how you touch the people you have encountered "
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, June 18th in St. Vincent De Paul Church, Taylor Ave. at 12:00 p.m. followed by an open invitation to all friends and family at 7 Allen Court.