Ralph Benjamin Savarese of Newtown passed away on Friday, March 7, surrounded by his loving family after a valiant five-year battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and uncle. He was 82 years old.

Ralph was born in Brooklyn, New York, to John Joseph Savarese and Irma Rose (Xerri) Savarese. He graduated from Brooklyn Preparatory High School and St Peter’s College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

After his graduation from college in 1964, Ralph enlisted in the United States Air Force where he received extensive training and became a USAF captain. It was during this time that Ralph met and married the love of his life, Clare.

During his military service, Ralph flew many aircraft including the C-141 and the F-100 Super Saber. As an F-100 Super Saber fighter pilot, he courageously completed over 350 missions in the Vietnam War. He served with distinction and received the Air Medal with 13 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Air and Space Longevity Service Award, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Following his five years of military service, Ralph went on to have a 33-year career as an airline pilot, Captain, and line check airman instructor with United Airlines. He retired as a captain of the Boeing 747-400 in 2002. If you pulled up a chair, he would describe what it is like to fly over the North Pole from JFK to Narita with 480 souls onboard, and radio down to the air traffic controllers stationed in remote locations along the way.

While Ralph’s career was his dream come true, his wife and family were his true source of pride and joy. He and Clare were married for 59 years, traveled the world together, and raised three children: Janine (Savarese) Kelly (Mark), Suzanne (Savarese) Murray (Robert), and Ralph Savarese Jr (Jessica). From the fruits of their marriage, Ralph and Clare have been blessed with eight grandchildren: Justin, Matthew, Emma, Robert, Gavin, Caroline, Benjamin and Andrew.

In his leisure time, Ralph enjoyed vacationing with Clare, reading long history books, polishing his cars, riding his tractor, toiling in his gardens, and spending quality time with his family. Nothing made him happier than visits with his grandchildren.

Ralph loved his God, his country, and his large family with all of his heart. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as his brother Dr John J. Savarese Jr, his sisters Linda (Savarese) Ramos, Marianne Savarese, and many sisters-in law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We know that “Paps” is soaring through the friendly skies, where he has forever longed to return, with God as his copilot. A Catholic funeral mass will take place in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ralph’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation-Homeless Veteran Program or the American Cancer Society.