Obituary of Ralph J. Giammarino

Ralph J. Giammarino, a resident of Wappingers Falls, entered into rest Sunday, December 3, 2017 at his home. He was 87. Son of the late Joseph and Rose Giammarino, he was born July 8, 1930 in Brooklyn. Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in October of 1953. He married the love of his life, the former Dorothy J. Morley, on January 22, 1955 at St. Mary's Church in Poughkeepsie. Mrs. Giammarino preceded him in death on March 14, 2014. Prior to his retirement, Ralph worked as a technician with IBM. He was a pigeon fancier for over 50 years, racing, breeding and training homing pigeons. Ralph was a member of West Conn Pigeon Racing Association and was involved with several other pigeon clubs. Ralph also enjoyed antiques and collectibles, especially miniature cars and coins. Most importantly, he treasured time spent with his family. Survivors include his daughters, Laura Giammarino of Wappingers Falls and Lynda O'Donoghue and her husband, Michael of Taylor, Texas; his sister, Theresa Chianelli of Pleasant Valley; his grandchildren, Kelly Patterson, Ryan O'Donoghue, Carey O'Donoghue, Chelsey Giammarino and Kaitlyn Giammarino; his great-grandchildren, Bailey, Isabella and Danielle Patterson and Evelynn Hazlewood; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Sala and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Patterson. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 7 before an 11 a.m. service at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, Route 9 in Fishkill. Memorial donations in Ralph's name may be made to either Autism Society of America, 4340 East West Hwy Suite 350, Bethesda, MD 20814 or National Down Syndrome Society, 8 E 41st Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10017. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.