Obituary of Ralph E. Luca

Ralph Ettore Luca, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024 in Duxbury, MA.​

Born in 1932 in Brooklyn, NY, Ralph was the beloved son of the late Clelia and Antonio Luca. He spent his early years in Brooklyn, graduating from Brooklyn College in 1952 before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954.

In January 1955, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Mary Madeline “Madie” Lampariello. Ralph launched a remarkable career on Wall Street, where he rose to Vice President of Operations at Lazard Frères & Co. in New York City, dedicating over 25 years to the company.

In 1962, Ralph and Madie moved to Mount Vernon, NY, where they raised their family. Later, they settled in Mamaroneck, NY, where Ralph spent many happy summers playing tennis at Colony Beach Club and Orienta Beach Club and enjoyed racquetball with friends during the winter months. A sports enthusiast, Ralph was a lifelong New York Knicks, Giants and Yankees fan. He cherished attending the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the 1994 Super Bowl in Atlanta, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open.

Ralph and Madie shared a passion for travel, exploring destinations like Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Russia and Egypt. They especially loved annual trips to Aruba in November, Florida in February, and Newport, RI, in June with family. Ralph was an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles and word searches. But he was happiest when surrounded by his family, especially for holidays and celebrations.

Later in life, Ralph and Madie moved to Duxbury, MA, where they could be closer to their nine adoring great-grandchildren—Benjamin, Madeleine, Lucy, Josie, Oliver, Abigail, Saraphina, Andrew, and Ryder—who affectionately knew him as “Grandpa Ralph.”

Ralph is predeceased by Madie, his loving wife of 66 years and his brother Aldolfo. He is survived by his three children, Cindee Dacey and husband Rick, Maureen Rappoli and husband John, and Keith Luca and wife Doreen. Ralph was the cherished grandfather of Caitlin O’Connor (and husband Matt), Christopher Rappoli (and wife Molly), Cristin Heacock (and husband Barrett), Michelle Smith (and husband Brian), Steven Luca, Nicole Rappoli, Alyson Luca and Megan Luca. He is also survived by many dear relatives including, Edward Small and his family. Ralph’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 11:00am at Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont Street in Duxbury, MA. A private burial will follow at Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.