Obituary: Ralph Monte, 91, of Branford and Norwalk

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Ralph Monte of Branford and Norwalk passed away on Saturday June 18, 2022.

He was the father of Joan Monte of Branford and Robert (Martha) Monte of Guilford. He was the lifetime partner of Marie Iannazzi of Norwalk. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alex Monte (Kimberly), Ben Monte, Nate Monte, and Madelyn Monte. He was predeceased by his sister Beatrice Balsamo. Ralph was born in New Haven on January 11, 1931, a son of the late Ralph and Katherine Gentile Monte.

He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1953-1955. He was a Design to Cost Engineer for Sikorsky Aircraft for 41 years, having been instrumental in developing the Sea Hawk, Black Hawk, and Comanche Helicopters. He was a member of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in Norwalk where he had been the financial secretary.

He enjoyed travelling and reading about ancient history, and was an avid New York Yankees fan. He was also an enthusiastic winemaker and gardener for many years, and enjoyed sharing his wine with family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11:00 at St. Mary Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery in East Haven. Friends may call prior to the Mass from 9:30 – 10:30 at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Covenant House at CovenantHouse.org.