Ralph J. Puzo, Sr.

Raffaele "Ralph" J. Puzo Sr., 89, of the Enclaves of Lakewood, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood. Ralph was born in Newark and was raised in the city's Old First Ward section. He was a graduate of Barringer High School. He resided in West Orange and Brick before relocating to Lakewood four years ago. Ralph was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. He was the former vice president of ICC Corp in Fairfield. Ralph was a former Sacred Heart Little League coach in Newark and an avid golfer.

Father of the late Ralph J. Puzo Jr., he was the brother of the late Angelina Nittoli, Joseph Puzo, and Nicholas Puzo. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Phyllis (Malfatto) Puzo; a daughter, Janis Purcell (Joe) of Lakewood; a sister, Mildred Carollo (Jerry) of FL; two grandchildren, Joseph J. Purcell, Jr. (Eva) of Monroe, and Jeanine Luizza (Brian) of Toms River; four great-grandchildren, Joseph J. Purcell III, Alyssa Purcell, Antonia Luizza, and Salvatore Luizza; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 at the D'Elia Funeral Home, Route 70 and Vermont Avenue, Lakewood. His funeral mass will be 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at St. Luke's Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, E. Hanover. For further information or to post a tribute online, please visit www.deliafuneralhome.com.