Ralph (Raffaele) Marano of Maplewood, N.J., passed away, surrounded by family, on Aug. 22, 2018. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Jacob Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave., Maplewood. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, 767 Prospect St., Maplewood, Monday, Aug. 27, at 10 a.m. Entombment is at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Ralph was born in Pratola Serra, Italy, and moved to Maplewood when he was 26, where he had lived since. He worked as a foreman for New Jersey American Water Company (formerly Commonwealth Water Co.) in Short Hills, N.J., from 1955-1991. In addition, he also owned and operated his own landscaping company for 30 years, until he retired at the age of 86. Ralph loved to garden in his free time; it was his passion. He took pride in his abundant fruit trees and vegetables that he grew in his backyard. He had a love for gardening and every summer his family enjoyed the many “fruits” of his labor. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Rossana (Palombo), and his devoted children, Lucia (Bernard) Barone, Joann Cuccolo, Anne (Richard) DeSalvo, Mary Vayas and Lisa (Joseph) Scaff. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as many family members in Italy.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the AV Hero Fund, avherofund.org, would be appreciated. For more information or to send condolences, please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com.
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