Ralph Anthony Saccoliti

Ralph Saccoliti passed away from metastatic melanoma at home surrounded by family on December 18, 2024. He was a vibrant 91-year-old who had a remarkable life and left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He lived with conviction, humor, and an unyielding zest for life.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Ralph grew up with his parents Rose Saccoliti (deceased) and Sam Saccoliti (deceased) along with his brother Frank (Rita) Saccoliti (deceased) and his sister Serafina (deceased) (Jim) Iannelli in addition to his extended Italian family in Brooklyn. Ralph attended Ft. Hamilton High School and went through the Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) at New York University (NYU). An advocate of education, he later obtained a Master of Arts in Human Communication. It was during his time at NYU that he met his wife, Gloria, and they shared 68 years of marriage together. Ralph and Gloria were blessed with four children: Jeff (Merri) Saccoliti, Lynn Saccoliti, Chris Saccoliti (deceased 1980), and Mark (Debbie) Saccoliti, as well as three grandchildren: Jason Saccoliti, Jack Saccoliti, and Thea Saccoliti. Many of Ralph’s beloved nieces and nephews will be traveling from Brooklyn, NY to attend their Uncle Ralph’s funeral services.

Ralph was proud of his twenty-two-year career as an Air Force officer in the aerospace defense program with Top Secret security clearance. His air force assignments took the family on adventures across the globe, including twelve relocations with two international posts in Taiwan and New Zealand. His military assignments were impressive, including roles such as NORAD Director of Space Systems, Director of Ballistic Missile Warning Systems, Inspector Systems Management and as a Commander of a Satellite Tracking Station collaborating with the US Embassy. After retiring from the military, Ralph continued to work in the private sector with aerospace defense government contractors in Colorado Springs, CO before fully retiring to Las Vegas.

In Sun City Anthem, Henderson, NV, he was a beloved resident for 30 years, known for his intellectual curiosity and active involvement in many committees right up until his passing which contributed to the enhancement of the Sun City Anthem community. His involvement ranged from the Computer Club, Bocce Ball, Lifestyle Committee, Helicopter Relocation Storage Facility Sub Committee and the Election Committee. He was a founding member of the Arts and Crafts Club and he enjoyed teaching classes on how to craft beautiful stained glass pieces, a skill he learned from his brother, Frank.

As serious as Ralph’s career was he enjoyed life and had a great sense of humor. He was very sharp at 91 years old and embraced discussing current events, family holiday gatherings and many cruise adventures with Gloria. Wednesday nights he delighted in cooking his favorite Digiorno pizza and Sundays were always pasta dinners. Every day included a workout and a glass of red wine. On Saturday he and Gloria attended mass at St. Francis of Assisi.

Ralph's life was a testament to his dedication to family, country, his Catholic faith, and a great sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and cherished memories. As we remember Ralph, we celebrate the joy he brought into our lives and the many ways he made the world a better place.

Donations

In 2008 a 501 c 3 non-profit (i-m-perfect.org) was formed in memory of Ralph’s son, Chris (d. 1980), who had intellectual disabilities. i.m.perfect organizes community events for individuals with special needs. In honor of Ralph, donations may be made via i-m-perfect.org/donations.