Rafael “Ralph” Matos Sacarello, 79, of Clearwater, FL passed away on February 11, 2017 at the Bay Pines VA Hospital, Hospice Unit, in St. Petersburg, FL. He was born in Mayaguez, PR and lived in Clearwater for many years.
He served in the United States Air Force, from February 1957 until January 1961, reaching the rank of Airman 2nd Class. He was an Optician and retired from LoVern Optical. He also worked for twenty-five years with Sunshine Aluminum.
He enjoyed golf, dancing, singing karaoke and playing a guitar. He also liked tennis and listening to his favorite Spanish and Italian music. Ralph was a devoted animal lover; especially, cats and dogs. His beloved dog, Noni, stole his heart at first sight and was by his side until 2014.
Whenever, Ralph was asked how he was felling, he would respond, “I am super fine, fabulous and great!”
He is survived by his son, James (Jim) R. Sacarello, wife, Marlene and children, Christopher Griffin and Jennifer Bush and grandchild; J.W. Bush III; his son, Ralph A. (Tony) Sacarello, wife, Daralyn and children, Christopher, Nicole (Nikki) and Meghan Sacarello and Crystal Bardowell, and grandchildren, Jevin and Zander Sacarello, Cosima, Immanuel and Corin Bardowell; and daughters, Aurora Sacarello and Kathleen; in addition to his longtime partner and caregiver for many years, Sharon Shokitano and her son, Michael Mysling.
A Military Honors Memorial Service will be held at 10:00AM on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Bay Pines National Cemetery. The cemetery is located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Clearwater, FL, 33708.
The Sacarello family would like to extend a “THANK YOU” to the Hospice Unit at Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. The constant love and care they extended to Ralph during his final days was greatly appreciated
I love you dad and will miss you very much. May you be surrounded by much peace now and enjoy the benefits of Heaven! Love your son Jimmy.
May you rest in Eternal peace
in the loving arms of
Christ our Savior.
Love and Peace forever.
Kathleen
Hey Daddio.
I love and miss you already. Thanks for all the love and time you shared with us over the years. The Grand kids miss you as well. Especially Meghan. May you enjoy your new home and comfort in the loving arms of our savior. Love Tony
Jim
Ray and I want to express our deepest sympathies to you and family for the loss of your father.
May he rest in peace.
Love,
Ray and Marie
I will love you always, Papa.
I know you are enjoying the celebration in Heaven and will be strumming your guitar in Heaven with all your favorite souls. Love and Peace always Hildy
My deepest sympathies to the entire Sacarello family. I wish you all comfort and peace.
Dear Jim,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We had the pleasure of meeting Ralph on several occasions. He was
outgoing, friendly, and personal. His gracious manners were delightful and brought warmth to the circle of family
and friends. We all know where Jim’s contagious positive attitude comes from! We are thankful for his military
service and dedication to America’s freedom. May your fond memories bring joy at this difficult time! We are
grateful he is in no pain and in God’s everlasting presence and love.
May peace comfort you and your family.
In Sympathy,
Debbie and Don Billett
You will suffer no more and forever be with God in Heaven.