Rocky Hill Obituary: Ralph Bellizzi, 75

Ralph Bellizzi, 75, of Rocky Hill, beloved husband for 49 years of Maria (Cataldi) Bellizzi passed away peacefully on June 24, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital, due to complications with Pulmonary Fibrosis while surrounded by his loving family. Ralph has now been reunited with his son James (Jimmy) Bellizzi who passed on this same date after a courageous 19 year battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

Ralph was born on October 24, 1940, in San Basile, Calabria, Italy and was the son of the late Vincenzo and Madeline (Pugliese) Bellizzi. Ralph retired as a Manager after 45 years of dedicated service with the Goodrich Company of West Hartford. Ralph enjoyed gardening especially his hot peppers which he challenged you to eat. He liked to make wine and play cards. He loved to engage in political conversations among friends and always checked the stock market. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends especially having everyone around the dinner table sharing a delicious meal.

Everyone who was fortunate to know Ralph was instantly befriended by his loving and compassionate personality. He was the life of the party whose contagious humor was spirited by laughter, light heartedness and political wit. He adored being surrounded by family and friends and he enjoyed occasions which included trips to big cities, casinos and dinner dances.

In addition to his wife, Maria, Ralph leaves his loving son Dominick Bellizzi and his wife Carolyn and his adored granddaughter Juliana. Ralph took great pride in being a grandfather. He devoted his time, love and knowledge to Juliana. Always being with her and always seizing the opportunity to teach her something new. Ralph leaves his brother Carlo (Nick) Bellizzi and his three sons; Enzo (his wife Dionna, their son Vincenzo), Frank (his wife Carla, their children Anthony, Christina and Angelina), and Adam Bellizzi. In addition Ralph leaves his sister-in-law Antoinette Cataldi, her husband Salvatore Doni and their son Matteo who reside in Italy.

The Bellizzi family would like to extend the most sincere thanks and support, professionalism and compassion to the staff and friends of St. Francis Hospital.

Funeral services will begin on Wednesday, at 10:15 am from the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Church, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 4 to 7 at the funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 306 Industrial Park Road, #107, Middletown, CT 06457.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.