Ralph J. Pesce Sr.

Ralph John Pesce, Sr., 82 of Portland ME, passed away peacefully on Saturday July 9, 2011 while surrounded by family. He was born in Malden, MA the son of Maria (Rega) and Carmine Pesce on March 11, 1929. Ralph was employed by JJ Nissen for 45 years and was a union member of BCTGN Local 334 for the duration of his employment. Ralph was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Italian Heritage Club and the Elks Club. An avid hunter and fisherman, Ralph enjoyed all things nature. After his retirement, he and his wife Grace spent their time traveling, dancing and spoiling their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ralph loved to cook Italian food and bake homemade bread. Many holidays and gatherings were spent entertaining with his harmonica at the family table.

Ralph is predeceased by his wife Grace of 50 years, his siblings Rocco Pesce, Anna DiSanto, Genero Morisco, Camilla Anderson and Helena Bianchi. He is survived by his daughters Maria and her husband Leonard Noyes of Bass Harbor, ME, Teresa and her husband Ronald Tester of Dalton, GA and Elisa Booth of Windham, ME and companion Donald Henderson, JR., Linda Jalbert and Fiancée Michael St. Laurent of Freedom, NH; His Sons, Ralph Pesce, JR. and his wife Kristy of Hollis, ME, Rocco Pesce, Sr and Fiancée Anne Lunn of Portland, ME and his 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by two brothers, Albert Pesce, Carmine Pesce, JR. and two sisters, Cecelia Pennisi, Lutz of Florida and Yolanda Smith of Portland, ME.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Barron Center especially those from -2 north- for all they did for their dad.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Wednesday July 13, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday July 14, 2011 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. A reception will follow at the Italian Heritage Club. Private interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

For those who desire, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins for additional information and to sign Ralph’s guest book.

Arrangements under the direction of Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland, ME.