WATERTOWN, NY — Ralph Louis Marzano, 87, of Boon Street, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at Samaritan Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Born Nov. 7, 1935, in Watertown, a son of Ralph and Louise (Miller) Marzano, he graduated in 1953 from Watertown High School.
He was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church and was a past president of the Italian American Civic Association.
Ralph married June Cumoletti on June 21, 1958, at St. Anthony’s Church with Msgr. Anthony Milia officiating. Ralph lived his entire life, alongside his wife of 65 years, within a 3-block radius of the Sand Flats, rich in life and proud of where they came from.
Ralph was first employed by Northern Glass and Glazing, eventually opening Marzano Glass and Glazing. Marzano Paving Inc. was established by Ralph Marzano (Ralph’s father) and upon his death, his uncle assumed the business. Ralph purchased the business from his uncle in the 1970s. In recent years, he worked side by side with his daughter, Tara, running Marzano Paving, Inc., where he continued to thrive.
He was a man of his word and his handshake was his unbreakable bond. Losing his father at a young age molded his warrior work ethic that fueled him to build a life he worked hard for, was proud of and fought for daily until his death.
Ralph loved nothing more than his family and friends and tending to his garden and famous tomatoes. Jarring peppers with his family and close friends was a yearly tradition, but it was in giving that was his greatest joy.
Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and loved to visit his hunting camp at Brandeth with his sons and only grandson Darin – his pride and joy.
He enjoyed playing cards, visiting casinos and loved hosting his infamous Christmas Eve parties.
Ralph’s loyalty and generosity is legendary, and he lived his life without apology. To be a friend of Ralph’s meant that you were a friend forever. He never wavered. If you were lucky to receive Ralph’s favorite hand gesture, you knew you were in!
Surviving besides his wife are three sons, R. Jeffrey, Watertown, Frank V., Watertown, Christian M. (Victoria) Rodman, three daughters, Marisa A. McIlroy, Watertown, Anne (David) Harrienger, Sackets Harbor, and Tara Marzano, Watertown; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; a sister, Linda Tysarczyk, LaPort, TX; a brother, Richard, Watertown, and several nieces and nephews.
A son, Lance, two sisters, Julie Marzano and Sr. Rose Marzano, all died before him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kellogg and Dr. DiFino for their unwavering support and friendship throughout the years. A special thank you to his loyal and steadfast employees, Don Robbins, James Puccia, and retired David Mahon. We look forward to toasting him and honoring his memory on our Monday nights at Pete’s and Thursdays at Coleman’s.
Calling hours will be 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral Mass will be said 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at St. Anthony’s Church. There will be no cemetery burial at this time.
Donations can be made to St. Anthony’s Church or charity of one’s choice, and in true Ralphie fashion pay it forward and buy the bar a round.
Due to construction on Keyes Avenue the funeral home parking lot may be accessed through the rear parking lot of First Presbyterian Church off Academy Street.
