Ralph Rinaldo Ranzo

Ralph Rinaldo Ranzo, 82, of Stoneham died peacefully at hospice in the company of family on January 6, 2018.

Born in New York City to Frank and Nancy Ranzo, his family moved to Boston's West End when he was a child. Ralph grew up in Boston and graduated, with honors, from the school of hard knocks. In 1957 he married, and is survived by his love Elaine Trupp of Somerville, MA.

Ralph successfully and happily raised his family in Everett and Winchester before he and Elaine moved their empty nest to Stoneham. Ralph was always passionate about music and entertainment. He began his working career as one half of a stand-up comedy duo in the 50's doing Martin and Lewis type routines in and around Boston. At that time, he also managed up-and-coming local singers and bands. He wasn't quite so shrewd in this endeavor. He once had the chance to represent Led Zeppelin in Boston but he didn't think they were very good and so passed on it, and his top singing prospect was more adept at robbing museums, so he decided to become a business owner instead. He became proprietor of a tobacco shop in Boston's South End, and then ultimately owning and running, with Elaine, Mattapan Records (aka Skippy White's) in Mattapan Square until his retirement. Ralph had a colorful life with many encounters with notorious Boston area factions due to his back-office business.

Ralph will be especially remembered for being a loving and generous husband and father. Though he had only a 9th grade education he was an adept family provider and enjoyed spoiling his family whenever he could. He was a very funny and witty man who often held court at social gatherings and around the pool at his condo. He loved warm weather vacations, the beach, casino gambling, fine dining, old movies, watching football, and engaging in lively conversation. Ralph and Elaine were accomplished ballroom dancers enjoying both dancing and teaching others. Ralph was known for always dressing sharply. Never in his life was he seen wearing jeans, and he even wore nice slacks and designer shoes when shoveling snow…he was one of a kind.
Survivors also include daughter Nancy Weil and her husband Michael of New Hampshire; son Ralph and his wife Patty of South Carolina; son Paul and his long-time partner Valerie Johnston of MA; and son Dean and his wife Emilie Richmond of MA. Ralph also leaves grandchildren Jessica Sullivan and her husband Ryan; Mikey Weil and his partner Jennifer Simpson; Jillian Westerfield and her husband David; Jena Ranzo, Elizabeth Ranzo, and Suzannah Ranzo. Ralph was fortunate to have also met great granddaughter Gianna. Ralph is survived by his only brother Domenic and his wife Rita of MA. Ralph was preceded in death by his younger sisters Nancy and Angela.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with the Family on Thursday, January 11th from 4 - 6:30pm with a Remembrance to be held at 6:30pm in the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT 28) STONEHAM. Parking attendants and elevator are available.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Ralph's name.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome