Ralph S. Payson

Ralph Payson a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend peacefully entered eternal life surrounded by family on July 4. He was born on Staten Island to the late Nettie Iavarone nee (Kavalko) and Ralph Payson on July 25, 1944. He graduated from Port Richmond High School and married his childhood sweetheart, the love of his life Janet Payson nee (Genco) in November 1964. His heart was broken when she passed on December 28, 2025. They shared 61 years of marriage.

Ralph's greatest joy and most treasured job was raising 4 children. He was a bus operator and a Lieutenant with the Fire Department. He enjoyed fishing, metal detecting, fixing everything and helping everyone. Ralph spent many hours giving back to the community. He will be best remembered for decorating his house for the 4th of July, Halloween and Christmas in addition to his many hours of volunteering at Zion Lutheran Church, Trinity food pantry, Southern Baptist Church after Superstorm Sandy, placing sticky notes reminding neighbors to update their car inspection and registration, driving nurses and doctors to work during the massive snowstorms and much more. He was an EMT for North Shore Ambulance. He will be remembered for his strength, work ethic, and leadership.

Ralph is survived by his children Darline Woodhouse (Ron), Michael Payson (Lucille) and David Payson. Adored grandchildren Brianna, Christopher, Kristi, Matthew, Victoria, Vincent and Brooke. Ralph is predeceased by his wife Janet, son Steven Payson, and sister Faith Owens.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Southern Baptist Disaster Team, North Shore Rescue Squad, Zion Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran food pantry or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, US, on July 8, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, US, on July 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, NY 10306, US, on July 9, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.