Ralph A. Giannelli passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness in Las Vegas on November 14, 2023. His loving sister, Lucy and her son traveled from the east coast, as well as his loving niece Karla and her husband John from California, who left their home within hours of learning of Ralph's illness - all to be by his side for support. He was 83. Raised in Medford, Ralph was the youngest child of the late Domenico and Immaculata (Baldassare) Giannelli.
After graduating high school, Ralph served in the US Marine Corps and the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He served on the legendary USS Enterprise, earning two bronze stars for his Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, among other decorations. After his exemplary military service, Ralph got married and moved to Las Vegas with his new and adoring wife, Claire. He enjoyed a long career in casino management, and due to his excellent military standing, he began his career with the luxurious MGM Grand Hotel. He moved onto many impressive hotels including Harrah's, Circus Circus and the Mirage and others. He was proud to meet the biggest stars of the time while managing gambling tables, some who included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Milton Berle, Telly Savalis, Elvis Presley, LaWanda Page and many others. He was recognized for his longevity of service and his excellence in job performance wherever he worked, receiving accolades of thanks from many guests, entertainers, and Casino executives. A gracious host on the job, he was also quick to welcome his family and friends who traveled LV to visit, always giving them comps for top shows and restaurants. Although he lived in Las Vegas for decades, he remained close to all of his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and their families back East. He was a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
The beloved husband of the late Claire Giannelli, he was a loving brother to Lucy Catino and her late husband Patrick of Stoneham, Angela Giannelli of Medford and preceded in death by his brothers and their wife's, Louis and Ethel Giannelli of Boxford, Joseph and Joan Giannelli of W. Willington, CT and Fred and Dolores Giannelli of Reading. He was a loving uncle to Sandra and her husband Walter Dabransky, Roseann Giannelli and her wife Janet King, Karen Feldman, Dina Greenwald and her husband Marty, Fred Giannelli, Jr., Steven Catino and his wife Theresa M. Catino, Patrick Catino II and his wife Lucinda, Domenic Catino and his wife Lisa, Michelle Soucek, Elisa Giannelli, Michael Giannelli and his wife Diane, Karla Gilkerson and her husband John and the late Theresa L. Catino. Ralph is also survived by many great and great -great nieces and nephews, cousins and their families.
Ralph moved back to Massachusetts for two years in 2018, and made quite the impression with his many great and great - great nieces and nephews, many who never met or spent a celebration with him. He formed everlasting memories with many of them during holidays, birthdays, pool-side, the beach, visits, and other occasions and is sadly missed and loved by each of them. During Ralph's brief move to Massachusetts, he also reconnected with several cousins and met many new extended family members. He enjoyed being with them during family events, talking about daily events, sports (being his passion), and never missing a game of "LeftRightCenter" during holiday gatherings!
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11 AM in Saint Clement Church, 60 Warner St., Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family in church at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Ralph's name to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Rd, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or vva.org.