Obituary of Ralph DiTucci

Ralph Joseph DiTucci, a man devoted to all his family and very proud of Woburn’s history, passed away after a short illness on Sunday night, September 2, 2012. He was 77 years old. Ralph was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Joseph and Rose DiTucci. He grew up on the family farm where he learned many of life’s lessons including the importance of hard work, the strength of family, and being proud of who you are and what you believe in. Ralph served in the Army from 1957 to 1959 and remained in the Army Reserves until 1964. He had worked at Woburn Hide and Leather. He then worked as an operations manager for McLean Trucking in Billerica and Woburn for 19 years. He spent the last 26 years working at Brentwood Livery as a driver. His attention to detail and ability to relate with others made him a favorite amongst his many loyal clients. And of course, he always found time to work his second Job at His parent’s sandwich shop; Joe D’s, which was located in Woburn and in Burlington from 1964 to 1983. Ralph was extremely proud of his heritage as well as Woburn’s heritage. He thought of himself as an unofficial historian for the City of Woburn. He hardly ever forgot a name or place. He could rattle off every store or business in Woburn Center during the 1950’ and 1960’s in order as they progressed down the road. He loved being involved in the Woburn community. He often would talk on Woburn’s Chat or attend events or activities celebrating and sharing the City’s rich history. Ralph was a past member of Woburn’s St. Anthony’s Club and Elks. Ralph’s heart never left the community where he grew up. Ralph believed in the importance of family. He appreciated his parents, grandparents, and Aunts and Uncles sacrifices, hard work, and supporting one another emotionally, socially, and fiscally. He was proud to be part of the DiTucci family growing up, and as he became the elder statesman of the family he was always there to support all those he loved. He didn’t just say he loved someone, he showed love in his actions and deeds. When his family was around him, he was in his glory! He will be remembered by them for his outgoing persona, wit, warmth, concern, ability to share their heritage, and his unconditional love for them all. Ralph also had a number of interests and activities. He loved the game of golf, and proudly displayed many of the trophies he won over the years. He was a member of several bowling leagues in the Woburn area. He would spend hours working in his garden, growing some of the most delicious tomatoes around. Despite his huge stature, he was a talented dancer and would float across the dance floor like Fred Astaire. Even though he drove every day for a living, he loved going on day trips or road trips to Maine, Foxwoods, or day of driving with no particular destination. Ralph was the beloved husband of Marilyn L. (Knox-Farr) DiTucci. He was the proud and loving father of Michael Raber & his companion Jen Thulin of Kissimmee, FL, Sonja Ferraguto & her husband Thomas of Woburn, Ralph DiTucci, Jr. and Joseph DiTucci both of Tewksbury, Michael Farr & his wife Charlotte of Phoenix, AZ, Alison Gadberry & her husband Frank of Wagoner, OK, Marianne McCarthy of Billerica & her late husband Gerard. He was the brother and best friend of Patrick DiTucci & his wife Sandra of Billerica. Ralph was also survived by 17 grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anthony’s Church, 851 Main St., Woburn at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 85 Astor Ave, Suite 2, Norwood, MA 02062 or www.kidneyhealth.org. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.