Ralph L. Conserva
Of Tewksbury
Ralph L. Conserva, Sr, age 98, of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 23rd at Lowell General Hospital.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Martin A. and Jennie (Bonfrate) Conserva.
Raised in Medford, he attended local schools.
A combat veteran, Ralph was honorably discharged from the US Navy, having proudly served on the USS Baltimore, during WWII. Honorable Discharge Remarks: American Area Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 10 starts, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1-star, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal. Ralph was a member of the Radar Division that track a downed Air Force Pilot. Then unknown, that pilot was to become President George Bush Sr. Aboard the USS Baltimore, Ralph played the piano during Mass services with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in attendance. That piano was delivered to the ship by Ralph’s father Martin Conserva, owner and founder of Broadway Piano in Medford.
Ralph and Annamay moved from Medford to Tewksbury in 1954 and resided in their Tewksbury home until their deaths.
Ralph worked for 37 years for New England Telephone as a transmission engineer.
He was a Past President of Saint Williams Knights of Columbus, Religious Education teacher, and was a member of a Barbershop Quartet and Tewksbury Senior Center. At the Senior Center, Ralph learned to paint landscapes that now adorn his home; he was a participant in the Seniors Softball team and Walking club. In addition, Ralph greatly enjoyed singing, traveling, and competing with the Barbershop Quartet.
The beloved husband of the late Annamay (Schumb) with whom he shared 74 years of marriage, he was the devoted father of Father Stephen Conserva, OMI, Mark Conserva of Florida, Lynelle Lapointe and her husband Bob of Tacoma, Washington, Dean Conserva and his wife Robin (Chafin) of Tewksbury, Ann Marie Cambio of Tewksbury, Matthew Conserva and his wife, Dr. Veronica (Triaca) Conserva of Concord, New Hampshire.
Ralph was predeceased by his daughter Valerie A. Mackey, son Ralph Conserva, Jr., grandson, Joseph Conserva, as well as his siblings Marion Doherty, Martin, Barbara, William, Charles and Michael Conserva. He leaves 20 loving grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Ralph was the dear brother of Joseph Conserva of CO and Johnny Conserva of Florida. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours Friday, May 27, 4-8 p.m. at Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral procession will begin Saturday, May 28, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., St. William’s Church, Tewksbury. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Oblate Infirmary, 486 Chandler St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.