Obituary of Ralph DiPietro

Ralph DiPietro, 76, of Howell Township passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.  Ralph served in the Navy aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War.  He later went to work at Con Edison, where he met his wife, Eileen, played softball on the company team, and created lifelong friendships, retiring in 1999.   An avid sports fan and lover of the thrill of the race, Ralph found joy in cheering on his favorite teams and handicapping contenders at the track.  He will be remembered for his infectious enthusiasm and the countless afternoons spent with loved ones, analyzing races and celebrating victories.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ferdinand and Theresa DiPietro; a sister, Theresa McElwee; his brother-in-law, Bob Crerand; a nephew, Michael Grabowski; and his mother-in-law, Rosemary Ruppel.  He is survived by his wife, Eileen (nee Ruppel) DiPietro; three daughters, Jennifer DiPietro and her husband, Eugene Ballestero, Laura DiPietro, and Kate DiPietro; grandson, Ayden; his niece, Kim Biazzo; his nephew, Anthony McElwee; dear friends, Stuie and Chris Kempner and Joe and Maureen Santos and their children, Jenna, Brian, and Sam; his faithful canine companion, Ryleigh; Eileen’s siblings, Rosemary Crerand, Maureen Grabowski and her husband, Frank, Vinnie Ruppel and Denise; Michael Ruppel and his wife, Denise, Gail Jones and her husband, Chris, Barbara Bianchi, Jean Sierra, Kate Fosbenner and her husband, Tom and Tricia Ruppel; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.  Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM for the procession to his 11:00 AM graveside service at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold Township.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph and Eileen’s name can be made to Mary’s Place by the Sea, 22 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove NJ 07756 or HERE.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.