Obituary of Ralph A. Buono

Ralph A. Buono Ralph A. Buono of Poughkeepsie entered into rest Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. He was 65. Son of the late Ciro G. and Frances Caulo Buono, he was born on October 8, 1945 in Brooklyn. He married Peggy Schwind on February 13, 1997; Mrs. Schwind-Buono survives at home in Poughkeepsie. Ralph received two associate degrees in Architectural Engineering and Electrical Engineering. He went on to work as a Union bricklayer for a time until taking a job as an engineer for IBM in Poughkeepsie, until his retirement. Ralph stayed busy even in retirement, working as a home inspector; he was a member of the Nat'l ASHI Organization. He also enjoyed his time as a bus driver for the Arlington School District; he held a special place for the special needs children he cared for each day. Formerly, Ralph was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club and President of the IBM Country Club. In his spare time he was active in Boy Scouts while his sons were growing up. Ralph especially enjoyed ballroom dancing. For 25 years he was general manager of Switch-In-Time Jazz Band. In addition to his wife, Peggy, he is survived by his children, Anthony Gerard Buono and his wife, Emma of Valatie, and Michael Francis Buono and his wife, Eva of Rochdale, MA, and their mother, Vicky Buono of Hyde Park; step-children, Tracy Schwind and his wife, Debbie of Wappingers Falls, Tina Schwind of Rhinebeck, and Steven Schwind and his wife, Lisa of Pasadena, CA; a sister, Angela Pratt of Mastic, NY; grandchildren, Emily Rose, Meredith Grace, Matthew Anthony and Alexander Li Buono; step-granchildren, Robb, Valerie, Zodi and Elsabeth Schwind; and a niece, Angela Orfini. Family will receive their friends on Monday, April 18, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 19 at 11 a.m. at the New Hackensack Reformed Church, Route 376 in Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ralph's name to the American Cancer Society, 2678 South Rd # 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions to the funeral home or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.