Ralph James Gizzi, age 70, of Portsmouth died Saturday, April 16, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Ralph was born on February 26, 1946, in Newport, RI, the son of the late James F. and the late Victoria (DeSantis) Gizzi. He was the husband of Eunice Ann (Simmons) Gizzi.
Ralph served honorably in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in Korea during the Vietnam era. He obtained a Teaching degree from the University of R.I., where he also played baseball. After college he became a long time teacher in the Bristol-Warren school district. He was actively involved in the Newport County sports scene early in his life. Baseball was his passion, and he played on many, many teams: Little League, Babe Ruth, Rogers High School, U.R.I., Sunset League (Paddock) and later added softball to his sports agenda. While playing on the Mack’s Clam Shack team he traveled to Kentucky for a national tournament. He was Bob Angel’s sidekick on WADK for more than 30 years reporting for the local high school teams.
Besides his wife of 45 years, he is survived by his son, Gregory J. Gizzi and his wife Carolyn of Portsmouth, his daughter, Diana M. Ackerman and her husband Casey of Middletown, RI, his sister Frances Bowley and his brother, James Gizzi, both of Newport, RI. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cindy Simmons and her husband Bob Hurley, his brother-in-law, Alex Simmons and his wife Patricia, and his brother-in-law, Jack Simmons.
Nieces and nephews, who survive him are; Erika Gizzi, Michael Gizzi, William Delanoy, James Delanoy, Paula Delanoy-Morris, Christine Simmons Feisthamel and her husband Anthony, Brian Simmons and his wife Karla, Michelle Simmons Collins and her husband James, Jennifer Armor Williams and her husband Christopher, Julie Armor Kaull and her husband John, John Armor and his wife Trish, Rebecca Simmons, and Alicia Simmons Pimentel.
He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Jack Bowley, and his sister-in-law, Michele Gizzi.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 19, 2016, from 4:00-7:00pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at 11:00AM, in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to GFHA, 44 Mohawk Drive, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
