Raffaele Tammaro

Raffaele Tammaro, 88 returned to his heavenly home on October 2 after a long, valiant battle with End Stage Renal Disease. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Raffaele was born to the late Giuseppina and Vincenzo Tammaro in Naples, Italy on August 29, 1929. He was married to the love of his life, Italia for 51 years.

Raffaele was blessed with a large, loving family. He is survived by his wife, Italia, his son, Vincenzo, his daughter in law Catherine, his grandchildren Raffaele, Talia and Gianfranco, sisters, Maria and Primavera, brother Giovanni and is predeceased by his sister Anna. Raffaele treasured the love and respect shown by his family, of his family, especially his brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews.

Raffaele worked as a pipefitter for Giuseppe Rosetti Engineering in Milan, Italy for 25 years. He built large oil and gas refineries throughout Italy, Egypt, Iraq, and Iran. He saved the lives of 5 men in a gasoline refinery fire. He had never taken a day off from work until he retired at 78.

Raffaele sacrificed his career so he could bring his wife to America to be with her family. He was 43 years old and only spoke Italian.

After moving to America in 1972 he and his wife opened Italy Fruit Store on 187th Street in the Bronx.

He enjoyed simple pleasures; a sunny day, a visit from family, gardening and fishing with his grandchildren. He was always neatly dressed, greeted everyone with a kiss and a handshake. He spoke softly and listened intently. He never complained about his illness, ever. He had hands the size of baseball gloves, with the gentlest touch.

Raffaele will always be remembered as a gentleman who cherished his wife, son, daughter in law and grandchildren.

His legacy of faith in God, love of family, hard work and respect for self and others will live on through all that knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Raffaele Tammaro can be made to The Transplantation Center Patient Care Fund at Yale New Haven Hospital. Please make checks payable to Yale New Haven Hospital with Transplantation Center Patient Care Fund on the memo line or in an accompanying note, along with the honoree’s name. Mail to P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. Secure online gifts can be made at www.givetoynhh.org.

Arrangements under the direction of John Dormi & Sons, Bronx, NY.