Ralph Sano

1923 - 2022

Ralph Sano passed peacefully on June 17th 2022 at the age of 99. Born in 1923 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, shortly after, his family migrating to Mariners Harbor in Staten Island. Ralph is one of nine children. As a young boy he loved to build, work on cars, and was mechanically inclined. He joined the Navy in 1943 and served in World War II. Upon returning home he met the love of his life, Betty Zylstra, they were married and started a family. They had four beautiful children, Concetta, Virginia, Ralph Jr., and Betty Ann. Ralph worked for Bethlehem Steel and eventually retired from Luken Steel. Ralph was an avid Fisherman and was part of the Staten Island Surf club, often taken trips to Cape Cod, MA. Every weekend was a family celebration at their house on Union Ave. Spending time with his family, his brothers and sisters, and their children, family was everything to him. If Ralph was feeding you, he was happy. Ralph and Betty eventually moved to Truro on Cape Cod, MA after Ralph's retirement, Ralph spending time doing what he loved, fishing and clamming, and Betty often baking. They would look forward to returning to Staten Island for holidays and having their family come visit in the Summer. Ralph is predeceased by his wife of 66 years Betty Sano. He is survived by his loving children, Concetta Sano and wife Tina Cerami, Virginia Mulligan, Ralph Sano and his partner Pamela Nicastro, and Betty Ann Sano-Pietrangelo. His Grandchildren Jonathan Mulligan, Nicole Lahara and her husband Giuseppe Lahara, John Pietrangelo and his wife Laura Pietrangelo, Victoria Pietrangelo, Christopher Sano and his wife Katie Sano, and Matthew Sano. His Great Grandchildren, Giulianna, Giuseppe Jr., Isabella, Nicolette, Ava, Lexie, Landon, Christopher Jr., and Kyle. He is further survived by his sisters Ann Cumberton and Mary Colon, his brother, Salvatore Sano, and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters Virginia Lynch, Angelina Cossetta, and Edith Sano, his brothers Joseph and Dominic Sano. A celebration of Ralph's life will be held at Hanley Funeral Home on Monday from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. A mass will be held at St. Charles Church at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, followed by a Christian burial at Moravian Cemetery.