Ralph Carlo DiMaio, 78

Ralph Carlo DiMaio, born in 1942 in Newark and a former resident of Verona, passed away peacefully in Branford, Conn., on June 24, 2021 at age 78. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Marlene Baez and Angelina Farrand. Surviving are his three siblings, Samuel DiMaio, Madeline Rowan and Rocco DiMaio.

Ralph was currently residing in Oxford, Conn., with his partner, Lynn Kling.

Loving father to his four daughters: Samantha Pechillo of Wall Township, N.J.; Christine Salvatore of Allenhurst, N.J.; Carmen D’Esposito of Colts Neck, N.J.; and Fran Arsenault of Acton, Mass.; and to the son of Lynn Kling, Eben Kling of Branford, Conn. Proud grandfather to Kaleb, Sonny, Carmen, Luciano, Rosabella, Lincoln, Gabriella, Olivia, and Amelia.

Ralph was best known and loved for his sense of humor. Regardless of the situation or circumstances, he always brought a sense of levity to the room with his endless jokes and ability to make others laugh.

Ralph valued quality, whether through a good home cooked meal or a unique item found at a tag sale or flea market. He enjoyed creative craftsmanship, which was reflected in his adorable quaint cottage buried in the hills of Oxford, Conn. Hanging out on his open porch amidst the trees and wildlife–he always enjoyed the elements of nature with his pets, loved ones, or alone with a good cigar. If you knew Ralph, he loved a good movie. He also loved spending time at the beach especially the Jersey Shore and Cape Cod.

Nobody felt more loved by Ralph than his grandchildren, who affectionately called him Pop and Grampy. He enjoyed talking about sports, teasing about relationships, and letting the girls style his amazingly thick, silver-gray hair. His hair was often complimented and envied.

As a father he taught his girls how to be independent, strong, quick with a joke, and how to fix a thing or two. They credit their Dad for their creativity and warm home-sense.

Ralph was a proud U.S. Marine who served his country from 1962 to 1966.

Please join the family on Friday, July 30, 2021, at 10:15 a.m. for a military ceremony at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562, (609) 758-7250.

We are remembering Ralph with donations to the Humane Society of the United States.