Raffaello "Ralph" Bertolaccini, 99, of Medford, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 12, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Ralph was born on March 4, 1927, in Barga, Italy, the youngest of four children, and grew up in the mountain country of Tuscany's Serchio Valley.
He met the love of his life, Caterina, in Italy. She came to the United States first, then returned to Italy, and they married there in 1955. Together they came to America and made their home in Medford, where they raised four children. They shared 69 years of marriage until Caterina's passing in 2024.
Ralph was a skilled craftsman who made his living fabricating marble and granite stonework. He cherished his family and took great pride in his work. He loved tending his garden, especially his prized Italian tomatoes, and he enjoyed the outdoors, foraging for mushrooms and hunting small game with friends and family. He was a quiet man, but kind and fun-loving, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was the beloved husband of the late Caterina Bertolaccini. He is survived by his children: Linda Oppedisano and her husband Dominic of Medford, MA; Ronald Bertolaccini and his wife Maria of Derry, NH; Luigi Bertolaccini and his wife Jeanna of Melrose, MA; and David Bertolaccini and his wife Regina of Hudson, NH. He was the cherished grandfather of Gianluca, Bianca, Luigi, Michael, Emily, Audrey, Jeremy, Zachary, and Adria. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Rina and his brothers Rino and Berto.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours, Monday, October 19th, from 4 to 8 PM at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. His funeral will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 20th, at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.