South Portland, ME- Ralph Henry Amoroso “Papa” passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 19, 2026. He was born on October 20, 1942 to Diana Salamone and Phillipo Amoroso at their home on 33 Sheriden St in Portland, Maine. He attended Portland High School and played varsity football. He grew up on Munjoy Hill and was proud of his Italian heritage. Ralph lived on Oak St in Ferry Village and later on Alfred St, South Portland for over sixty years with his wife Jean. Ralph served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, and with distinction on the Portland Police Department receiving a commendation for bravery. His policing career with PPD spanned over 20 years a patrolman, to include motorcycle, horse mounted, and Portland International Airport assignments. In semi-retirement, Ralph worked for Jones, Rich, and Barnes Funeral Home.
In retirement, Ralph and Jean traveled extensively throughout Maine, New England, and Canada enjoying the best sites and local traditions of Maine and New England. He and Jean especially enjoyed local drives and visiting with friends over coffee. They ventured from Maine to California, Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to visit his son Gino and wife Martha where he served in the Marine Corps.
Ralph was predeceased by his mother and father, wife Jean, and sister Camella.
Ralph is survived by his sister Vinnie, and brothers Frances and Philip; his three sons and their wives: Gino and Martha, John and Annette, and Vincent and Julie; six grandchildren: Amanda, Lynn, Brooke, Vincent, Pietro, and Francesca; nine great grandchildren: Kaya, Gino, Aron, Jack, Bella, Matthew, Lucille, Vivienne, and Kenneth.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, from 4-7 PM at the Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday Sept. 25 at 10 am at St Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough. Graveside services will be held at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Ralph’s online guest book.
