Ralph Trecozzi, age 82 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born on September 27, 1941, in Sant’Onofrio, Calabria Italy, son of the late Giovani Trecozzi and Mariana Marasia, Ralph came to the United States at the age of 13 to seek opportunity. He was raised in Plainfield, then Middlesex Borough, NJ, and pursued his license for cutting hair. This led to him opening and managing his own business, The Hair Shack, in Edison, NJ, for many years. 

A strong work ethic was instilled in Ralph for the true purpose of taking care of his family. Having met his life partner, Catherine, at a wedding, they married on July 10, 1971. Married for 52 beautiful years, they were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. They knew the secret to a long-lasting marriage was respect and the ability to compromise. Not taking themselves too seriously was also key to their success as a couple. There was always music and laughter that filled their days. 

Their union would bless them with their only child, Maryann, who was the joy of her parents’ lives. Ralph adored his daughter and was her biggest supporter and best friend. He was extremely proud when she graduated college and became an elementary school teacher.  

Maryann would later meet her husband, Douglas, and they would give Ralph the gift of being a grandfather. His grandchildren, Michael, Katie, and Olivia were affectionately referred to by him as “his kids.” He loved to play with and joke around with them. They made him proud to no end.  

He was thrilled to see them grow up into wonderful young adults. He was able to attend Michael’s college graduation, which was a true highlight. 

“Pop Pop” was the life of the party. He was always singing, humming, and strumming the guitar. He was a happy soul who used laughter and kindness to make many friends. While living at his most current residence, Hunterdon Creekside in Raritan Township, NJ, he made many friends who became like family. He developed a love of pickleball and was often seen playing with members of that community. Their respect and love for each other was apparent, especially in the days before his passing. The true love and support was unwavering and a testament to the strong bond they all shared.  

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Giovani Trecozzi, his mother, Mariana Marasia and his sister, Orsola Marcello. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Catherine Trecozzi; his brother, Onofrio Trecozzi and his sister-in-law, Orsola; his beloved daughter, Maryann Tapp and her husband, Douglas of Flemington, NJ; his adored grandchildren Michael, Katie, and Oliva Tapp of Flemington, NJ; his sister-in-law, Joann Ma and her husband, Jay of North Myrtle Beach, SC; his sister-in-law, Maryann Ottomanelli and her husband, Frank of North Myrtle Beach, SC; several extended family members; and many, many dear friends.

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff of Hunterdon Hospice, especially Jen, Sheri, Sharon, Molly, Joann, and Laura who cared for Ralph in his final days.  He really enjoyed sharing his mints with Jen. 

Ralph will lie in repose on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. A Catholic Vigil service, followed by a Life Celebration service, will take place Monday at 7:30 p.m., and to which all are welcome. If you are unable to attend but would like something read on your behalf, please click HERE to generate an email to the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by the Very Rev. Thomas J. Serafin, V.F., KCHS, will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, NJ 08887. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Tuesday morning beginning at 10:45 a.m., and to follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival.

Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Mausoleum, Bridgewater, NJ, and again, all are welcome.

Please visit Ralph’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor and memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, via mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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