GLOUCESTER: Ralph Canillas, Sr., 82, of 21 Hammond Street, died unexpectedly at his residence on Thursday, January 19, 2012. He was the husband of the late Dorothy M. (Pacheco) Canillas, who died in September of 1997. They had shared forty-nine years of marriage.
Born in Gloucester on April 26, 1929, he was the son of the late Francisco R. and Concepcion (De La Flor De La Cruz) Canillas. He had resided in Gloucester most of his life.
In his early years, Ralph was employed as a fish cutter at numerous facilities along the Gloucester waterfront. He later became a machinist and was employed by Gloucester Engineering for twenty-five years, having retired in 1991. He had also been a part-time lobsterman.
Ralph enjoyed boating, fishing, bowling and gardening. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ralph, Jr. and Mary K. Canillas; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Merry C. Canillas, Dorothy M. and William R. Powers, III and Karen C. and Stephen J. Pizzo; two sisters, Constance Therrien and Dolores Bellimer; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by ten brothers and sisters.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Salvation Army, 93 North St., Salem, MA 01970.