Ralph R. Wilkes Jr.

Ralph R. Wilkes Jr. 81, passed away January 26, 2021. Son of the late Ralph R. Sr. and Myrtle (Donovan) Wilkes. Beloved husband of Eugenia "Gina" (Ricci) Wilkes; devoted father of David A. Wilkes and Michael E. Wilkes (Stacy); cherished grandfather of Michael and Andrew; brother of Charles Wilkes (Carolyn) and Ellen Tillier (Paul); brother in law of Diane Ricci and the late Edward Ricci, and Elaine Ricci. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Ralph was graduate from North Providence High School. After his schooling, Ralph joined the National Guard and started a 40+ year long career at Graybar Electric. He was a devoted Catholic who spent his Sundays as a Eucharistic Minister and also attended Bible study at St. Lawrence Parish and then Mary Mother of Mankind. Ralph was heavily involved in the community and became a mentor to many young boys through his association with North Providence West Little League and the North Providence Boys & Girls Club.

He also served on the North Providence Town Committee and the North Providence Zoning Board. He was a member of the North Providence Sports Hall of Fame. Ralph had many passions in life including speed walking - where he won multiple Blessings of the Fleet road races. He was a devoted fan of the NY Football Giants. He loved attending RIC Basketball games where he was a supporter and booster of the program. But most of all, Ralph loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Funeral Services and burial are private. A livestream of the Mass may be viewed Saturday January 30 at 9:30 AM and will be available on the Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.