Ralph Frissora

Ralph Frissora - THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND born to Maria Ventresca and Raphaele Frissora, entering the world at a whopping 14 pounds - perhaps the most difficult moment for his mother, but from then on, he was known for his easygoing nature, his “keep calm and carry on” attitude, and for going through life without a single complaint - unless you count his thoughts on a bad cup of coffee. He loved skipping school, bringing abandoned animals home, swimming at the watering hole with his friends at Beardsley Park and dating girls. Ralph enjoyed riding his horses and his Harley. A passionate animal lover, he raised countless dogs, cats, birds and once owned an ill-tempered capuchin monkey. Ralph had a soft spot for injured wildlife, known for nursing sick birds back to health.

At 22, Ralph spontaneously enlisted in the Navy and served as 3rd Class Petty Officer aboard the USS Grand Canyon during the Korean War as a Sheetmetal Worker APP. Ralph fondly recalled France as his favorite stop - saying he’d never seen so many beautiful women in such tiny bathing suits. He served 3 years, 10 months and 10 days.

Ralph met his best friend and love of his life, Louise, at the Pleasure Beach Ballroom when she ducked behind him to escape a bad date. That night he took her on her first rollercoaster ride - the start of an adventure that would last for over 50 years. Together they raised two children, Tracy and Scott, with unwavering love and support. Ralph never missed a game, recital or band performance - no matter how long the wait or how brief the spotlight. Ralph loved throwing the football and baseball around with his son in the backyard for hours on end and was his biggest fan. He built a bird aviary for his daughter, filled with doves, and taught her how to care for them. Ralph constructed ice skating rinks out of 2 by 4’s in the backyard every winter and spent many years taking care of his pond that was full of fish, frogs and life. Later, he helped both his children and their families renovate their own homes - passing down not just practical skills, but also lessons in the importance of building a strong foundation rooted in love and support. In addition, Ralph was a guiding figure to his nieces and nephews, and many lucky enough to know him.

A skilled sheet metal worker, draftsman, and later shop foreman at Paul S. Yoney Inc, Ralph mentored many and served as a father figure to younger coworkers. In retirement, Ralph found new purpose (and muscles) working and working out at local gyms like Fitness 4000 and LA Fitness, where he became the heart of a close-knit community. His warmth and charm drew people in - many came to work out just because Ralph would be there.

As a grandfather, “Papa” lit up around 5 grandchildren: Kylie, Maksim, Piper, Paige, and Lulu. He was always ready to change a diaper, host a sleepover, cheer from the sidelines and play Battleship for hours. He celebrated every dance recital, concert and championship with his beaming smile, pride and joy.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Tracy, her husband Nick, and their children Kylie and Maksim; his son, Scott, and his wife Julie, and their daughters, Piper, Paige and Lulu. He also leaves behind his sister in law, best buddy and personal driver, Eva Tomlinson; his brother in law, Al, and his wife Marsha; his nieces Kathleen Frissora, Karen Frissora (Steve), Kerri Cybulski (Eric), and nephews Bob Mancuso (Mona), Rick Mancuso, Kenneth Frissora, Kevin Frissora (Alisa), Jason George (Colleen) and several great nieces and nephews and his loyal granddog, Malibu.

Ralph will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever cherished. Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, August 22 from 9-10 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, A Mass of Christian burial will be held in the church at 10AM. Burial with full Military honors will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. Lunch will be at at Port 5 Naval Veterans Club 69 Brewster Street in Bridgeport. In lieu of flowers, donations (in the form of checks) may be made to the West Haven VA, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, please note the hospice unit, who took incredible care of Ralph until the very end.