Ralph was born to Julie and Jean Rufino of Hoboken, New Jersey. A graduate of AJ Demerest, at 17 Ralph would meet and later marry the love of his life, Martha Giovine, also of Hoboken and go on to have three beautiful children, Donna, Ralph, Jr., and Doneen. They were married 61 years. For 28 years Ralph was a truck driver for Ward Trucking going on to end his career at NJ Transit. Ralph’s interests included coaching, in which he helmed a team in Hoboken’s first women’s softball league. He took pride in making his Sunday gravy, growing vegetables, and making his famous pizzagaine for Easter. When Ralph wasn’t reclining on the porch doing scratch-offs and word puzzles he was driving his beloved grandchildren, Nicole, Rebecca, Nico, and Deanna to school in Rutherford where he relocated in 1995 with Donna and Phil. Ralph would be remembered as a devoted Husband, Father, and even more cherished Poppy, who couldn’t help brag about his family, his world.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Martha Rufino (née Giovine) his daughter and son-in-law Donna and Philip Picinich, his son and daughter-in-law, Ralph, Jr. and Maria Rufino, his daughter and son-in-law, Doneen and Nick Porta, his grandchildren, Nicole and Cosmo Rizzo, Rebecca Picinich, Nico Porta and Deanna Porta, and a host of beloved cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 beginning at 4 PM and concluding at 8 PM.

The Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at 10:30am.

Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum in North Arlington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.