Obituary of Ralph G. Gustamachio

Ralph Gustamachio, 94, of East Hartford, passed peacefully on Friday, October 29, 2021. Born in Norwich, CT on August 24, 1927, he was the son of the late John and Frances (Levanto) Gustamachio, and lived in East Hartford for 61 years. Following high school, Ralph served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Tarawa as an aviation specialist and was a 1955 graduate of Bryant College. For 35 years he worked at Pratt & Whitney in the Purchasing Department retiring as a Chief Buyer, always demonstrating dedication, hard work and determination. He was very generous with his time and talents as an active communicant and volunteer at St. Isaac Jogues Church. Ralph was an avid NY Yankees fan and also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and exercising at the Aircraft Club gym up until his late 80s. 

Ralph was a devoted and loving husband of 52 years to Carolyn (Garfield). He was a caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a wonderful role model for his family. Ralph is survived by four children, Donna Gerrity and her husband Kevin of Middletown, Darroll Gustamachio and his wife Terry, of Brewster, MA, Susan Atwood of Vernon, and Carol Ann Barnes and her husband Tim of Suffield; his brother Donald and wife Marcia; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Kanaitis, Shannon Gerrity, Kevin Gerrity, Meghan Apostol, Jessica Granucci, Brendan Gerrity, Katie Gustamachio, and Danielle Buttafuoco; seven great-grandchildren; Logan and Zackary Kanaitis, Andrew and Alden Apostol, Matthew and Connor Gerrity and Kayla Granucci; and other beloved family members. In addition to his wife Carolyn, Ralph was predeceased by his sisters Anna and Frances and his brothers Joseph and John. We are forever grateful to the Masonicare Hospice team and the staff at Hughes Health and Rehabilitation for providing Dad with excellent compassionate care.

Family and friends may call on the John F. Tierney Funeral Home on Saturday, November 6, 8:30-10 a.m. at 219 West Center Street, Manchester. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Maplewood Ave, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, 1280 Silver Lane in East Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ralph’s name to Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd S #4b, Southington, CT 06489.