Ralph F. Saggese of Oneonta died May 1, 2009. He was born in Oneonta, the son of Michael and Antoinette (Pastore) Saggese. After coming back from World War II, he married his high school sweetheart, Elinor Pratt, on May 12, 1945 at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Oneonta, NY.



Mr. Saggese was a lifetime resident of Oneonta and graduated from Oneonta High School. He joined the National Guard in 1938 and was activated into the regular Army in 1940 and served until World War II was over in 1945. He was shipped to Pearl Harbor then fought in the Southwest Pacific, including the Battle of the Marshall Islands and the Battle of Saipan. He was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received.



Ralph was employed with the New York Telephone Company for 35 years. President of the New York Telephone Pioneers of America and Retired Pioneers of America, Quartermaster of the VFW in Oneonta, a member of St. Mary's Church, where he was previously the President of the Holy Name Society, a member of the Knights of Columbus, sang and performed in the St. Mary's Minstrel Shows. He was also a Boy Scout leader for Troop 26, producing the first Eagle Scout St. Mary's ever had. He was named CYO Scoutmaster of the year in 1956. He was president of the Fraternal Bowling League, treasurer of the 6th Ward Booster Club, a member of the Susquehanna Bass Association. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, hunting, gardening, and the New York Yankees!



He is survived by two daughters: Carol Saggese and husband Kevin Kelly of Oneonta, Kathryn Carey and husband Eugene Genzardi of Wells Bridge, one son: Art Saggese of Laurens, a brother: Patrick Saggese of Ithaca, grandchildren: Brian Carey (Joyce), Kimberly Hendrick (John), Amy Bookhout (Troy), Rebecca Carey (Andy), Kevin and Jason (Krystel) Saggese, great-grandchildren: Tyler, Konnor, and Kolby Bookhout, Philip Youngs III, Natalie and Jack Carey, Athena and Kyla Saggese, a sister-in-law: Mildred Saggese, and numerous nieces and nephews.



He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Elinor, brothers: Frank and Ernest Saggese, sisters: Margaret Polo, Kay Colacecchi, and Mary Microni.



Services for Ralph will be private.



Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ralph Saggese to the New York State Home for Veterans, 4211 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830.



To sign the guest book or send a condolence to the family, visit, www.lhpfuneralhome.com.



The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St, Oneonta, is serving the family.