Obituary
Mr. Ralph P. Manfredo, age 84, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Born in Utica, New York on July 22, 1938, Ralph was the son of the late John A. and Genevieve (Puleo) Manfredo. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, Class of 1956. Ralph attended most class reunions including the 60th in 2016. He also studied at Utica College. Ralph was a former member of the New York State National Guard.
Ralph moved to California in 1966 where his occupation was an Application and Installation Engineer. With his array of clients, he traveled around the globe and in February 2017, moved to Vero Beach, Florida.
On September 14, 1968, Ralph married the former Sharon Pfrander. Their love and devotion for one another was never more evident than when Sharon was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Throughout her illness, Ralph was her full-time caregiver and always included her in any functions or activities until her passing on October 2, 2020.
In September 2021, Ralph met Aura Urbina. They were married on October 22, 2022. Their short time together was filled with love, laughter, and happiness.
Ralph was a communicant of St. Helen’s Church where he served as an usher. Formerly, he attended St. Victor’s Church in San Jose, California. He was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree San Jose, California where he was District Deputy and most recently in Vero Beach. He was also a member of the Italian American Civic Association of Vero Beach.
Ralph enjoyed skiing, boating, waterskiing, and fishing. He had his pilot license and was co-owner of a single engine plane. He was a die-hard San Francisco 49er fan being a season ticket holder for several years. He loved entertaining and being in the kitchen cooking for family and friends.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Aura; his daughter, Joanne, his sister and brother-in-law, Mary L. and James M.Verni, Sr. , nephews and nieces, James M. Jr, Stephanie, and Joseph Verni; Christopher J. , Lauren and Carter Verni and Elizabeth A., Andrew and Liam Bogus. He also is survived by Marianne Gazzilli and several other close cousins.
His is also survived by Aura’s children, Humberto, Francisco, Sugeiris, Cesar and Silcris and grandchildren, Oriana, Juan Eduardo, Cesar Eduardo, Luis Eduardo, Sofia Valentina and Marcela.
Ralph always had a big smile on his face. With his outgoing personality he was blessed with many friends. In fact, once he met you, he considered you a friend. There are so many to name that were special to Ralph. His family would like to acknowledge his closest friends from over the years, Charles Ritzel, Anthony Mody, Charlie Young, Dan Griffin. His best friend from San Jose, Charles Gullo, Jr. and especially Arthur and Mary Ellen Esparza, were not only close, good friends but considered them as family and for their help in caring for Sharon; his Lakes at Waterway Village friends & neighbors, especially on Pendelton Square, friends at the Italian American Civic Association and all his brother Knights, both in San Jose and Vero Beach. For their close friendship to Ralph, and who he considered his best friends in Vero Beach-a special thank you to John and Pat DeGeorge and especially Carlos and Lisa Novelli and their family-Ralph enjoyed all the times spent with you.
A special remembrance to Father Matthew DeGrace and Father Nicholas Zrallack for their prayers and comfort they offered Ralph.
Ralph’s funeral will commence on Friday , April 21, 2023 at 11:00am.at St. Helens Church, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Internment will take place in Crestlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ralph’s memory to the charity of your choice. One that was very special to Ralph was the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ralph’s mass will be available to view live at: please check back for live stream link