Ralph Pasquariello

It is with much sadness that the Pasquariello family mourns the loss of their patriarch, Ralph '˜Pop' Pasquariello on August 4th, 2013. Having lived a long and active life full of family and friends, Ralph passed peacefully after a brief illness. At the age of 94, Ralph was still working on his tractor, maintaining his vast property and feeding the birds just one week earlier. Ralph was the third of ten children born in Rotterdam, NY to Dominic and Marguerite Pasquariello on September 2, 1918.Ralph was raised and attended school in Rotterdam.In 1946, he married the former Cathryn "Kay" Salley and together they raised three children, David, Sandy and Terri. Ralph was an exceptionally hard worker. He started working at an early age, first for the railroad then, after serving his country in World War II, briefly owned a gas station on Erie Boulevard. Ralph then settled into a career with Boulevard Rug Company, installing flooring and countertops. It seems everywhere he went, Ralph was able to spot a home or business in which "he had done the floors". A large part of Ralph's life was Morrette's King Steak House in Schenectady, purchased by the Pasquariello family in 1973. Ralph was invaluable to Morrette's and was its heart and soul. He could be found starting his day as early as 5am, cooking meat and welcoming his many friends for coffee and at times heated debates regarding current events and the world at large.Ralph made his way to Morrette's regardless of the weather; often before the plowshit the roads. This was Ralph's daily routine until he officially retired in 2005 at the age of 86. With the exception of his family, Ralph's proudest accomplishment was his military service. Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and completed basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. As part of the 337th Infantry Regiment of the 85th Infantry Division, Ralph was a Staff Sergeant and Squad Leader, ultimately receiving a field promotion to 2nd Lieutenant. He served in North Africa and Italy, and was severely wounded while taking part in the Italian Campaign. Ralph was a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, and in the 1990's met President Bill Clinton when he traveled to Italy with members of his former regiment as part of a recognition ceremony. Over the years, Ralph enjoyed boxing, golf, bowling and softball, and was a member of various sports leagues. He was a former member of the South Schenectady Volunteer Fire Department and the American Legion. Ralph was an avid reader and had a thirst for knowledge his entire life. Intelligent and quick witted, it is certain that no one who knew Ralph escaped his wise cracks and wicked sense of humor. He was health conscious before it was trendy, exercised daily well into his 80s and was a testament to clean living.Behind it all was a wonderful man who loved his family more than life itself, and in his later years enjoyed nothing more than a good cup of coffee and watching the New York Yankees. Ralph was predeceased by his siblings, Josephine, Stephen, Dominic, Carmella, Angeline, John, Yolanda and Marie. He was also predeceased by his beloved son, David in 2011. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Cathryn "Kay" and his devoted children: Sandra "Sandy" Bielecki of Rotterdam, and Terri Caracciolo and her husband, Tony of Schenectady. Also left to mourn are his cherished grandchildren: Andrea "Andy" Hemsworth and her husband, Robert "Bubba" of Rotterdam; Nicole "Nikki" Pasquariello Lazor and her husband, Bill of Media, PA; Micah Pasquariello of Rotterdam; Christopher "Chris" Bielecki of Glenville; Robert "Bobby" Caracciolo of Albany; and Michael "Mikey" and Rachel Caracciolo, both of Schenectady. Ralph also leaves behind six beautiful great-grandchildren: Nolan Pasquariello Lazor, Lillian Sophia Bielecki, Marin Pasquariello Lazor, twins, Cathryn Quinn and Samuel Christopher Hemsworth, and his newest great-grandchild, Charlotte Pasquariello Lazor born July 26th. He is also survived by his brother, Tony Pasquariello; sister-in-law Raffaela Pasquariello; daughter-in-law Dolores Pasquariello and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Thursday August 8 from 6 to 8pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam. A funeral service will be held 10am Friday at the funeral home, the Rev. Richard A. Carlino officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Sts. Cyril/Method Cemetery, Rotterdam. In lieu of flowers contributions in Ralph's name may be made to the St. Jude Tribute Program P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or Lt. Vibert O. Fryer Chapter 88 Disabled American Veterans PO Box 3528 Schenectady, NY 12303