Ralph Dominic Gaeta
September 24, 1952 to May 10, 2022
Ralph D. Gaeta died suddenly on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Parkland Hospital, his loving wife Patti by his side. The only son of the late Beatrice (Mazziotti) Gaeta and the late Ralph A Gaeta, Jr, Ralph grew up in Malden, MA, and graduated from Malden High School in 1970.
Ralph worked as a cook for many years in various restaurants throughout Massachusetts and later worked at Somerville Lumber and Enos Building Supply in Hampton, NH.
Ralph was an avid fisherman who loved the ocean. He was a history buff and often watched Jeopardy!, the History Channel, and PBS. He could build anything, fix everything, and was a master tradesman from plumbing to carpentry. He took pride in his work and often used things he learned from watching documentaries in order to maneuver big projects he would complete all on his own. He loved music and often danced with his sweetheart in the middle of the kitchen. Most of all, Ralph loved putting his outstanding culinary skills to use and cooked amazing meals for friends and family with large gatherings around the dining room table filled with laughter and incredible food.
In 2001, just before turning 50, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Patricia Duffy. They had last seen one another 17 years prior. He told her she was the love of his life and that now was their time. They were married in June 2018, 50 years after their first date. In his wedding vows, which he wrote on his own, he stated, “This vow is letting everybody know that this is where and who I wish to be with for the rest of my life. Pain in the ass she is, I still love her and will do my best to make this union a success.”
In addition to his wife, he leaves his three children, Jamie, Joseph, and Nicole Gaeta, and his grandchildren Christopher and Reagan Gaeta. He also leaves his brother Ronald and his wife Donna. He was the treasured stepfather of Paul Logan and his partner Wendi Lane and Jennifer Ferreira and her husband Kenneth. He adored grandchildren Madison and Ryan Logan and Lily and Owen Ferreira along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Ralph was also the proud "baby-sitter" of Pit Bull "Jewel".
Ralph wished to be immediately cremated without calling hours. A private celebration is being planned by the family. As a two-time survivor of bladder cancer, memorial contributions in Ralph’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or the charity of one’s choice.