Ralph Bavasso Obituary

HOPKINTON - Ralph Joseph Bavasso, 93, of Hopkinton, RI, died peacefully on Thursday January 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Gertrude Helander Bavasso for 68 years.

Born in Westerly, RI, on Christmas Eve in 1931, Ralph was the son of the late Angelo and Nellie Vallee Bavasso.

After graduating from Westerly High School in 1949, where he was noted for his smile that spread sunshine, Ralph began a career in textiles, becoming an accomplished lace weaver at Richmond Lace Works in Alton Village, RI, until its abrupt closing. He then went on to work at Daughter's Lace in Hope Valley until its closing, as the lace weaving trade began to vanish from the area. Ralph subsequently became employed as a foreman at G.A.F. and then American Felt and Filter in Westerly until his retirement in 1994. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Westerly where he served as an usher with his wife for several years.

Besides his loving and devoted wife, Ralph is survived by his four children, Daniel J. Bavasso, Karen A. Stanley (Gary), Judith L. Matassa (Vincent) and Heidi J. Gilman (Michael). He also leaves his sister, Irene Miceli and was the loving grandfather of 7 grandchildren, Melissa Miner (John), Ryan Stanley (Nikki), Ashley Daher (Nathan), Courtney Gilman, Kyle Matassa, Dana Matassa and Rachel Gilman. In addition, Ralph leaves 8 great grandchildren, Jackson, Brady and Hayden Miner; Addison and Weston Stanley; Kylie Beique, and Raegan and Bennett Daher. He was pre-deceased by his brother Anthony J. Bavasso and his sister, Teresa Gingerella. Ralph also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

After his retirement Ralph enjoyed traveling the country as well as taking several cruises to the Caribbean with his wife. Ralph also loved boating, fishing, woodworking and had a liking for gardening. Ralph was an assistant troop leader in the Boy Scouts of America for several years where he was dubbed Rainstorm Ralph. In addition to always being available to lend a helping hand to anyone who might need it, Ralph, along with his wife, volunteered as a driver to deliver for Meals on Wheels in the local community for several years. Also, in his later years he enjoyed spending time watching the numerous birds feeding on his deck from the comfort of his kitchen chair. Ralph adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren happily supporting them by attending many of their extracurricular activities.

The Bavasso family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday January 23, 2025, from 4-7 pm at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI. Funeral service will be held on Friday January 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, corner of Elm and Broad St. Westerly, RI. Burial with full military honors will follow in White Brook Cemetery, Carolina, RI.

The family would like to express their many thanks to Hope Hospice for their expert and compassionate care in the final days of their beloved husbands and fathers life.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church of Westerly.