Ralph Francioso, 96, a longtime resident of Somerville, passed away peacefully at his East Cambridge home on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Rosemarie (Berardi) Francioso.
Born in Somerville, he was the son of the late Loreto and Gentilina (Canacelti) Francioso. Ralph was raised in Mattapan and a graduate of Hyde Park High School, Class of 1947.
Ralph is survived by his children: Sharon Hill of Las Vegas; Toni Beckwith and her husband, Paul, of Watertown; Kim Graham of Malden; and Mia DeMichele and her husband, Michael, of Hopkinton. Cherished by his family, he was the proud grandfather of Larry; Michael; Ryan and his wife, Cheryl; Kevin and his wife, Kelsey; Peter; and Emma, and the loving great-grandfather of Anthony, Jayden, Myles, Aria, and Nolan. Ralph was predeceased by his siblings: Louis, Johnny, Mary, and Tony. He is also fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a dedicated member of Local 4, International Union of Operating Engineers, from 1949 until the late 1980s. After his retirement, Ralph and Rosemarie enjoyed several memorable cross-country trips in their RV and spent many winters in Lake Worth, Florida.
A natural handyman, Ralph was always ready to lend a hand, and his generosity of spirit and steady presence touched the lives of countless friends and family.
Ralph will be remembered most for his devotion to his family, his hard work, and his kind heart. His legacy lives on in the love he shared and the memories he leaves behind.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Burial will be private/