Mr Ralph V. Circelli,Retired U.F.D.

Mr. Ralph V. “Ruffie” Circelli, Retired Utica Fire Department, age 74, of North Utica, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 6, 2011 on the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus. His passing occurred in the privacy and comfort of his home where he was surrounded by the devotion of his family. Born in Utica on December 17, 1936, Ralph was the son of the late Philip and Mary (Sardelli) Circelli. He was raised and educated in Utica and attended T.R. Proctor High School. A veteran of the United States Army, Ruffie was proud to have served his country from 1957-1959 stationed in Germany. On August 24, 1961 he married the former Barbara A. McKenney with whom he shared 49 years that were filled with much devotion, respect, and regard for family life. On October 1, 1966, Ruffie began his career with the Utica Fire Department where he served as a firefighter stationed at the firehouses at Albany and Blandina, Central, and North Utica, the location from which he retired in 1986. His outstanding service was noted as being dependable and a credit to the department in every way. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 32. Concurrently, he worked as a driver for Central Trucking and Teal Express. During his retirement years he held positions with United Auto as a driver, and Riverside Materials. With his passing, Ruffie’s family has lost the comfort of his presence, but he remains in their hearts forever. His family loved him and never knew anyone more inspiring or full of life. He was a hardworking family man and a “gentle man” in every sense of the word. To know him was to love him because he saw the goodness in everyone he met. A truly blessed and humble man, he led by example, lived simply, and treasured ‘good food and good family’. Ruffie’s talents and interests were far reaching. Throughout his life he was a sports enthusiast and a sportsman in his own right. He pursued bowling, ice skating, golfing, fishing, and baseball, a sport in which he personally excelled during his youth. As a good Papa, he shared special times with each and every one of his grandchildren. He could fix anything and loved to help his children with their domestic repairs, all for a cup of black coffee and a sweet. In their retirement years, Ruffie and Barbara would vacation annually at South Daytona Beach in Florida, sharing precious time with Dick and Josie Detore. Most importantly, he served his Lord, and held a great devotion to the Blessed Mother. He found it inspirational to read the Bible and he also drew strength from the book Mystical City of God by Venerable Mary of Agreda. At one time he was a member of St. Peter’s Church in N. Utica where he volunteered his time and talents teaching religious education classes, partaking in the parish festivals and spaghetti dinner fundraisers. He later was a communicant of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where he was an altar server, a member of the Perpetual Adoration Society and the Knights of St. John International, St. George Commandery #41 of Utica. Ralph is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann; his daughters, Devina Marie Circelli of Barneveld and fiancé Tim Horan, and Deanna Lynn Circelli of Floyd; his son and daughter-in-law, Ralph Scott and Jackie Circelli of New Hartford; and his daughter Deanna’s friend, Joe Blaszczak, who was a truly caring and devoted friend to Ralph and the entire family (and Ralph’s golfing buddy at Hidden Valley). His kindness will remain close to their hearts. He also leaves his grandchildren who affectionately knew him as “Papa Ruffie”, Joseph, and Stefanie Moore and their father, Joe Moore; Karissa, and Kaitlin Beerhalter and their father, Ronald Beerhalter; and Jacob, Andrew, and Paulie Circelli. Survivors also include his sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Chuck Hamlin of TX; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom and Betty Circelli, and Phil and Diane Circelli, all of FL; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws, Pattie McKenney, Tommy and Diane McKenney, Don and Phyllis McKenney, Helen and Bob White, and Joanne McKenney. He was also blessed with many wonderful and dear friends throughout his life who have been so valuable and uplifting. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernie and Helen McKenney; and his brother-in-law, Peter McKenney. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. John Crawford and the Radiation Staff of the Regional Cancer Center and Dr. Kevin Mathews for their care and compassion; the nurses and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center 3B, for the personal attentiveness and comforting presence. The family is grateful for the availability for Ralph to return home with the dignity of Hospice & Palliative Care, with special thanks to Navaz for her genuine nature and commitment; sincere thanks are offered to Fr. Felix Colosimo and Fr. Comeskey for their spiritual sacraments, blessings, and visits; as well as the prayers and rosaries offered by family and friends. Ralph’s family gathered privately at their home to honor his life and bid their farewells. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Memorial Service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Felix Colosimo with Military Honors. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr Ralph V. Circelli,Retired U.F.D.

December 17, 1936 - January 6, 2011