Ralph E Maggio

Ralph E. Maggio passed away on June 4, 2024 at 9:20 am at the age of 93, surrounded by his two loving daughters, Ann and Theresa. Born July 24, 1930 in Sommerville, Massachusetts to Ralph and Myrtle Maggio, he was a devoted husband of 58 years, a proud U.S. Navy man for serving his country and was full of immense humor in his final days.

He was a committed family man. Meeting Peg was love at first sight. They quickly married and had an instant family adjoining his children, Ralphie, Ronnie and Susie with her son, Billy. Their love quickly grew with Ann and Theresa following soon after. Their home in Tewksbury, MA brought memories of large family barbecues in the back yard along with weekend camping trips before they moved to Deltona, FL in 1979.

Ralph was proud of his service with the US Navy beginning January 2, 1948 as an Able Seaman to Fireman to a Damage Controlman Petty Officer 2nd class until his honorary discharge on June 21, 1957. He served on several vessels including USS Salisbury Sound, US naval receiving station in Washington, DC, the USS Boston and the USS Leyte. During his service years, he received several accolades: Naval Occupation Service Medal with Asiatic Clasp, Korean Service Medal, China Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United National Service Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal.

In his next chapter as a civilian, he worked many years as a route driver salesman with Lajoi Distributing Company for Cains Potato Chips for 15 years and another 4 years with Morcyl Distributing Company for Wise Potato Chips. He also enjoyed being a cook at a local Deltona restaurant, security guard at Department of Corrections/Jail Division, and wire cutter at Deltona Transformer. His daughters recall many times sneaking in his potato chip delivery truck to help themselves to a bag or two or driving with him during his route.

Ralph was a proud member of the VFW and many years at the Deltona Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge where he and Peggy managed the kitchen for bingo and pasta nights, held positions as officers, and enjoyed many evenings with their friends dancing the night away at dinner dances.

Ralph’s passion was the WIN whether it was countless hours at a slot machine, championing a game of hand and foot, or challenging anyone to a game of Skip-Bo or Rummikub. His most endearing time was when he played games with his wife Peggy and allowed her to win knowing that she wasn’t a very good loser.

In November 2023, Ralph moved into Blue Palms Assisted Living Center in DeLand. He quickly gained friends and was voted in as Vice President by the residents. Each morning, he would drive his scooter down the hall, knocking at each resident’s door to announce it was mealtime then arrived in the dining hall with a loud greeting to all. He would participate in daily activities and went as far as running his own Bingo on Saturdays, even furnishing prizes for the residents. He was loved by all the staff immensely and will be sorely missed.

Less than 8 months, Ralph is preceded in death by his wife, Peg. He leaves behind his love for his two daughters, Ann (Steve) Fick and Theresa (Casey) McComb (all from DeLand, FL). They were always there to aid in his needs or even for a simple delivery of ice cream. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrea (Gary) Parliment, Miranda (Alec) Wallace, Drew Fick, Hailey (Matthew) Aiton and Lexi McComb, and 5 great-grandchildren (plus one due in November).

Following a private viewing for the family, a military funeral service with honors will be held graveside on Monday, June 10 at 11:00 am at Deltona Memorial Gardens, 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL. Dad was always seen wearing something military and/or a flannel shirt. All are welcome to do the same.

We will pay tribute to Dad immediately following the service by fulfilling his wishes with an informal gathering. Please join us at Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company, 111 W. Georgia Ave., DeLand, FL. (Change of clothing optional.)

The family is especially grateful to the loving Halifax Hospice staff for the last 9 months of loving, compassionate care during Dad’s illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at https://halifaxhealth.org/hospice-donation-portal, Designation: Patient Care/Memorial Fund.

Ralph will be remembered for his longevity in life, his devotion to his wife and children, his pride for being a veteran and his final wish for "beers". He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.