Ralph Stefanelli, age 76, of 42 Circle Drive, Arlington Acres, Stonington, died Saturday at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.
Mr. Stefanelli was born in Newark, NJ on March 21, 1927 the son of Enrico and Elizabeth (Ventry) Stefanelli. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was a member of the Seabees.
He was employed as a carpenter at Electric Boat in Groton for over 20 years before his retirement in 1995.
A former resident of new London, he was also an active member of VFW Post 189 and was a MOC member. He was also a emmber of the American legion and was acting vice-president of the Stonington Golden Agers at the Stonington Community center. He was also an a communicant of St. Patrick Church, Mystic.
Ralph was an avid coin and stamp collector and loved thoroughbred racing.
He was the husband of Geraldine (Caruso) Stefanelli. He also leaves two sons, Gerald Stefanelli Sr. and his wife Brenda of Waterford, Bruce Stefanelli Sr. and his wife Gale of preston; three stepsons, Thomas Sellari of Wareen NJ, Donald Sellari and his wife Lynn of Nutley, NJ, and Joseph Sellari and his wife Lydia of Ledyard, a brother, Anthony Stefanelli and his wife Terry of Bloomfield, NJ, a sister, Louise Simmons of Huntington, W. Va., his grandchildren, Gerald Jr., Matthew, Bruce Jr., Lucia, Thomas, Matthew, Donald, Michael, Stephanie, and Joseph., several greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Alderina Rendfrey.
Ralph's family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8pm and from 10:45-11:45am on Wednesday.
A Funeral Mass will follow at St. Patrick Church, East Main Street, Mystic at 12noon Wednesday. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Old Mystic. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Ass., 300 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT 06450.