Ralph M. Zecca, Sr.

On March 12, 2025, of Washington Twp.  Age 84.  Beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Deery).  Devoted father of Ralph M. Zecca, Jr. (Akiko).  Loving grandfather of Caitlin and Colin.

Ralph M. Zecca, Sr. was a loving husband, devoted family man, and caring friend.  Meeting the love of his life, Liz, at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Ralph took on an adventure of more than fifty-one years with his best friend.  He found himself happiest when he was with her.  In fact, when he was a young man working for the Department of the Navy, he often traveled across the country.  He always came home saying he could not sleep because he was not with his wife.  However, this did not mean he did not like to travel.

After retiring in 1994 from the Department of the Navy, Ralph and Liz went on more than thirty cruises around the world.  Taking in the sights of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Panama Canal, and all over the Caribbean.  He was truly happy as long as he was with his soul mate.

Above all things, Ralph believed family came first and the concept of labor of love.  He loved family gatherings – especially on the holidays – and he found satisfaction in helping his family with such things as moving furniture or just installing a new ceiling fan.

However, Ralph’s greatest joy came in visiting his grandchildren, Caitlin and Colin.  From talking to them about their schoolwork to watching movies, in these simple pleasures he took pride in them and reaffirmed the value of family first.

An introvert by nature, he still found a way to engage people and make them feel comfortable when around him.  Often, one could find him sitting quietly in his recliner, listening to the conversations going on around him.  And then, without warning, he would provide a simple but truly poignant observation that made things not only crystal clear but also showed how much he was listening and caring about those around him.  In the end, Ralph left this world truly a man rich in both love and friendship.

Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation Saturday, March 22^nd 10:30 AM-12:00 PM at the Church of the Holy Family 226 Hurffville Road, Sewell, NJ 08080.  Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 PM.

In honor of Ralph’s life, in lieu of flowers or other acts of sympathy, his family would encourage donations be made to the Church of the Holy Family at the above address.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”