Ralph Edward Pascarelli

Ralph Pascarelli, 76, passed away on March 6, 2026, at his South Boston home, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. Ralph was born in Roxbury on August 4, 1949. During his elementary school years, he moved with his family to Stoughton. He was a proud member of the Stoughton High School Class of1969 and often gathered with friends to reminisce about the good old days. After briefly attending college in Florida, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1971. He served fortwo years as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, earning commendations for para jumping and sharpshooting. Just before deploying, he “borrowed” his brother, Joe’s motorcycle, and was involved in a serious accident that ultimately ended his military service. He received an honorable discharge as an Army Specialist 4th Class. Ralph married Cheryl Tracy on September 3, 1977—her birthday. They made their home in her hometown of South Boston, a neighborhood Ralph quickly made his own - never missing a parade or Sully’s trip or chance to walk Castle Island. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began working for Amtrak. For 32 years, Ralph served as a signal maintainer based out of South Station, where he built lifelong friendships and always remained close enough to pop home.

After retiring in 2009, Ralph spent even more time at his second home, the South Boston Yacht Club. He held leadership positions there, volunteered with the South Boston Special Kids Program, and was always ready to help—or supervise—anyone in need. His friends from the Easterly crew and his Tuesday card game will miss him dearly.

Ralph’s greatest joy was his family. He and Cheryl raised three daughters—Nicole, Tracyann, and Jenney—and he loved spending time with his five grandchildren: Josh, Kiley, Ash, Brenny, and Emilee. Ralph had a deep love for Old English Sheepdogs. His beloved Skoshee was his companion during his railroad years, later followed by his loyal Bella. We like to imagine Ralph and Bella reunited once again. More recently, he also grew quickly attached to Shiloh, another faithful sidekick who brought him great joy.

Ralph was a friend to all, someone who always “had a guy for that,” and he never met a Keno machine he didn’t like - “just saying”. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. The next time you hear a Cher song, know it’s a wink from him.

In addition to his beloved wife Cheryl, his daughters, and his grandchildren, Ralph was the cherished father-in-law of Chris O’Brien and James Seder. He is also survived by his siblings: Donna Bonanno and her partner Lew, Pamela Napolitano and her husband Vincent and Paula Cleary all of Raynham; Joseph Pascarelli and his wife Tracy of Yarmouth; Patricia Shea and her husband Thomas, Ann Marie Leonard and her husband Charles and Anthony Pascarelli and his wife Caryn all of Stoughton. In addition to his parents, Philomena and Pasquale, he was predeceased by his sister, Annette Pascarelli. Ralph was also the brother-in-law of William Tracy and his partner Amy of Chestnut Hill; the late John Tracy and his wife Peggy of Rockland; Janny Tracy of Weymouth; and Robert Tracy and his wife Christine of Rockland. He will also be greatly missed by his dear friends and co-grandparents, Chet and Patricia O’Brien. Ralph was the loving uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Church (615 East Fourth Street, South Boston). Livestream is available(www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org). Visiting hours will be held at Spencer Funeral Home (575 E. Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127) on Tuesday, March 10, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Dorchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to the South Boston Special Kids& Young Adults (P.O. Box 270731, South Boston, MA 02127) or the Gate of Heaven Parish Saint Vincent de Paul Society (841 E. Broadway, South Boston, Ma . 02127  www.spencerfuneralservice.com