Ralph J. DiMichele

Ralph J. DiMichele
Ralph J. DiMichele, 79, of 424 Lake Ave. Bristol, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at The Summit at Plantsville. He was the husband of Gloria (Homes) DiMichele. Ralph was born in Bristol July 14, 1929, the son of the late Vito and Matilda (Izzo) DiMichele. He was a lifelong resident of Bristol and a four-year U.S. Navy veteran, serving in the Korean War. He was in several major battles in Wonson Harbor, Inchon, Yalu River and Chosin Reservoir. He also was in two assault landings in Wonson Harbor. He was awarded many medals, among them the U.S. and South Korean Presidential Citations, the Navy Citation and Service Warfare Pin. He retired from New Departure-Hyatt in 1993 after 30 years of service. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro, Vt., and VFW Post 134 Brattleboro, Vt. Beside his wife, Ralph is survived by two daughters, Janis Howard of New Hampshire and Donna DiMichele of Florida; two stepsons, Vincent White of Texas and Scott White of Granby; eight grandchildren, Danny, Jeremy, Vinnie, Britney, Mayson, Ashley, Jessica and Kaitlyn; and a great-grandson, Braxton; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and James, and a sister, Ann Samartino. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 20, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Prospect United Methodist Church, 99 Summer St., Bristol. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, in Bristol. There are no calling hours. Dunn Funeral Home, 191 West St., Bristol, is in charge of arrangements.