Ralph Peter Ferrante

SOUTH PORTLAND-Ralph Peter Ferrante, 81, of South Portland, died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born on Nov. 8, 1930 in St. Alban's Vermont a son of Peter and Antoinette Delponte Ferrante. Ralph grew up on Washington Avenue in Portland where his family owned and operated Ferrante's Market for many years. He was a graduate of Portland High School and he also attended Northeast Business College. He served in the Navy and was honorably discharged. Ralph worked as a letter carrier with the Post Office. He later served as Post Master in Bar Mills. Ralph was married to Barbara L. DiBiase in 1971. He was a longtime communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church where he served as a lector. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Portland Elks Lodge. He was a generous person who supported many organizations and charities throughout his life. Ralph was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara L. Ferrante in 1995; parents; two sisters, Antoinette Paglio, Angelina Ferrante; four brothers, Samuel, Archie, Armand, and Anthony Ferrante. Survivors include his son Ralph C. Ferrante of South Portland; stepdaughters, April Love, Cheryl Houde, Cynthia Bibeau, Lisa Jaques, Laurie DiBiase; stepsons, Reiney DiBiase, Donald DiBiase, Kevin DiBiase; two sisters, Florence Bishop, Norma DiPietrantonio; 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon Friday at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A service will follow at 12 noon at the Chapel. Burial with Military Rites will be at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations requested to: Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, P.O. Box 10, South Windham, Maine 04082-0010. Online condolences may be expressed below.