Ralph J. Aceto
April 22, 1957 ~ July 12, 2021
Resided in:
Gray, ME
Ralph J. Aceto, Jr.
1957-2021
Gray - It is nearly impossible to describe the life of a titan like Ralph J. Aceto Jr. His presence and impact were more than just a feeling, they were an experience. Ralph passed away suddenly on Monday, July 12, 2021. Ralph was a South Portland native and relocated to his favorite place in the world, Little Sebago Lake. One of his greatest joys was waking up to the stillness of the lake each day.
Ralph was born on April 22, 1957 to Shirley (Mitchell) and Ralph Aceto Sr. He was the oldest of seven children and had a deep sense of pride in that role. Ralph attended South Portland Schools and was proud of the family legacy left in the city. Ralph went on to serve in the United States Navy. Upon discharge, Ralph attended Southern Maine Vocational and Technical Institute. Ralph then proceeded to learn the family business, Aceto Acoustics Inc., alongside his father and greatest friend, Ralph Sr. Ralph operated the family business for over 30 years.
One of Ralph's greatest joys was coaching softball. As a former fastpitch player himself he knew the game in and out. Anyone who has ever played for him or against him knew the passion and love he had for the game and for every player he coached. He, alongside his trusted friend and assistant coach, Marc Sandora, led the South Portland Red Riots softball team to its first State Championship in 2010. This was truly one of his proudest life accomplishments.
Above all else, Ralph's three daughters were paramount in his life. There was never a doubt in their minds where they stood in the eyes of their father, and are tremendously grateful for the life they were provided with Ralph at the helm. Ralph instilled in his daughters a deep commitment to family, pride in one's work, and never forgetting where you came from. Ralph's daughters would like to express their gratitude to the entire Aceto Acoustics team, Erika Cheever, and all the friends and family who have shown such an outpouring of love and support.
Ralph is predeceased by his mother, Shirley; and father, Ralph Sr. Ralph is survived by his loving and steadfast daughters, Christina Aceto, Jessica Aceto and fiance Anthony Passmore, Amanda (Aceto) and Kevin Marsden; and cherished grandsons Nolan and Griffin Marsden. Ralph is also survived by his six devoted siblings and their beautiful families.
Visiting hours celebrating Ralph's life will be held from 4-7PM on Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 10:15AM, Tuesday July 20 followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. To view Ralph's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Donations can be made in Ralph's honor to South Portland Softball Boosters, 637 Highland Ave. South Portland, ME 04106
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Only the good die young, thats why your gone and Im still here you son of a bitch. Thanks for the memories, your patience, and the laughs.
– Matthew Curry
I was heart broken when I found out of his passing. One thing I remember when I would visit his house in So Portland we would shoot the bull on Sunday and have some laughs. His wife and daughters always made me feel so welcome. I remember one time I let one of his daughters drive my Corvette and he said are you nuts. Lol I couldn’t of asked for a better cousin. Miss you Ralph
– James Aceto
Words cannot express how heart broken we are at the loss of such a wonderful man . I always looked forward to our short talks from his beach to ours while I fished. I loved watching him remove the ducks from his beach as they always ended up on his lot . He always had a smile on his face when boating by with family and friends and he knew how to live lifetime its fullest every minute. He will be missed on the lake by all that knew him . Prayers to his family and friends . Sherry Freeman.
– Sherry freeman
Our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Ralph. We wish we could give you a huge hug, Christina!! We love you, JP Awad and Kelsey Schwartz
– Tribute Store
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was a great man and I enjoyed watching his softball teams play very competitively year after year. His passion for life and Coaching the game of softball goes without saying. I shall miss him greatly as many will. My thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, his work associates and his former and current softball players. May he Rest in Peace…. Roger Hare, II
– Roger Hare
All our love coach. The Shannon family
– John , Milly Amanda, Johnny and Sam shannon
With deepest sympathy, love and blessings from the South Portland Athletic Department.
– Todd Livingston
Our deepest condolences to Ralph’s family. We will miss him dearly. “Mai Tai Mondays” won’t be the same without you.
– Tribute Store
With our fondest thoughtS
– PPS Transportation
I remember Ralph as a young man, a teen, who caught for South Portland High School. I played for Deering and the two schools had some classic confrontations back then. He was a tough competitor, had to be–he caught Tom Higgins and the Howard boys, Fred and Mike, who threw bullets. It seems like yesterday but nearly a half-century has passed. It’s so sad to hear that he’s gone. Friends and family, sorry for your loss.
– Jim Morris
My condolences to Christina and the whole Aceto family. Ralph loved as hard as the rest of you and there’s no way to replace his presence. He will be missed. Sending love and support from Minnesota.
– Michele Lamppa
Ralph will be forever in our hearts and we will remember him fondly!
– Steve Flynn, Erin Grady, Gary & Deb Hamel
Dearest Amanda, Christina, and Jessica, I am so very sorry to learn of your father’s passing. I will always remember the twinkle in his eye and hearty laughter. My husband John and your Dad had a relationship and respect which was earned through their love of sports. When they met, they would talk for hours about past experiences. My memories go back to Kaler school days and piano lessons. No matter their age, when you lose a parent-especially one as loved as you Dad, the loss is a great one. May your hearts be always filled with the joy and love he instilled in you. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. With Love, Nancy and John Curran
– Nancy Curran
With Deepest Sympathies and Fond Remembrances
– Tribute Store
Thank you for everything, Ralph. I will miss you immensely.
– Love, Ky
With loving memories of “Ralph Aceto, Jr.”,
– Kelly & Michael Martin
In loving memory of our dear friend. Ralph will remain in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
– The Indorf Family
My condolences to the Aceto family!! Being a High school softball umpire for over 20 years it’s was never a more gratifying moment when I knew I had gained the respect of one the most competitive coaches I’ve ever worked for My work ethic to service the game was what he liked, he didn’t always like my calls but he always saw the bigger picture ( His players) His passion for the sport he tried so hard to instill in all that played for him I do know he loved and had so much pride when talking about his daughters and their hard work ethic in the game and life in general Ralph my friend, you will truly be missed on the South Portland softball field I’ve had the opportunity to work some of your battles and it was my pleasure to be part of that and you will always have a special place in my heart Dick Gordon
– Dick Gordon
I was sadened to here the to here of the aceto boy that died. sorr for the fmily. I grey up with ralph and shirley acteo. I lived behind them on clifford st in so portland me. Kristen tully
– kristen tully
So sorry for the families loss. Ralph and I had our differences over the years in games I umpired but he always showed me respect. Our paths crossed professionally a number of times and he was great to work with. Thinking of the family
– Alex Pufhal
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
– The Windham High School Softball Program
Ralph was a great friend and father, will miss him dearly and will remain in hearts forever. Our condolences Amanda, Christina, Jessica and family.
– Marc and Kim Sandora
The Aceto family was a close neighbor of ours for many years in so. Portland. Ralph Jr. was energetic and seemed to get the most out of life. I know he loved his later coaching years. I send condolences to his family, which has lost both Ralphs so recently. Kap Powers
– Kap Powers
Amanda and Kevin, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
– Barbara Marsden
Our deepest condolences – Peter and Maria Quatrano
– Peter & Maria Quatano
We will miss you always. We love you
– Tribute Store
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
– Thornton Academy Softball
I am so shocked and sorry to hear this news. I have great memories of coaching AAU basketball with Ralph, and so enjoyed his friendship. Love and condolences to your family from ours- Mark Manduca and Family
– Mark Manduca
Sending love and prayers for extra strength and comfort to the entire Aceto Family. Ralph was such a great guy!! In sympathy, The Whitmore Family
– mwhitmore@rmdavis.com
It is with great sadness I learn of Ralph’s passing. My name is Charles Gay, me and Ralph were roommates at NCS Nea Makri Greece and when we were in Norfolk we share an apartment together. I last seen Ralph was over 35 yrs ago when he came to Louisville for Derby. Wish we could have spent more time together. Prayers for his family.
– Charles Gay
“Ralph , brought so many Fun times to our life. With Love and Hugs. Denise ,Cameron, Mackenzie Holmes
– Denise Holmes
With heartfelt condolences,
– Nela Alvarez-Sotomayor & Greg Boulos
Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
– Tribute Store
Our condolences to the family. I knew Ralph through business, I am going to miss my good friend.
– Mark Jordan
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rocco & Cathy Aceto & family
– Rocco Aceto