January 1, 1945 – May 24, 2023
Ralph F. DiAngelis, 78, a longtime resident of Reading, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, following a sudden medical event. He was the devoted husband of Constance (Ochab) DiAngelis for 52 years. A gentle and humble man of faith, he embodied the true spirit of God and treated everyone he encountered with love, respect, and kindness.
Born and raised in East Boston, Ralph was the middle of three sons to the late Carmen and the late Frances DiAngelis. He was a graduate of Boston State College, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education; and later earning his Master’s Degree in School Psychology and Counseling. He was an empathetic listener who made time for everyone. Ralph was always willing to provide counsel or words of wisdom, and he had the innate ability to allow every person, whether family, friend, or stranger, to feel seen and heard.
A U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era, Ralph transferred to the Army Reserves Medical Corps upon earning his Honorable Discharge. He was called to active duty again for Operation Desert Storm, retiring from the Army Reserves after more than 30 years at the rank of Sergeant First Class in 2005. He worked as a nurse, beginning his career at the New England Memorial Hospital, later transferring to the Daniels House Nursing Home, and most recently at The Gables at Winchester. Ralph felt called to his profession of nursing, treating all of his patients with the utmost care and compassion.
Ralph loved hiking in the mountains, camping, biking, and gardening. He was known for his organic vegetable garden, vibrant sunflowers, and sprawling peach trees, which he shared with all who walked by. He had a profound appreciation for life, nature, and all of God’s creation. He was grateful for every breath, every sunset, and he treated each day as “a gift from the good Lord.” He never missed a moment to tell you how much he loved you and how special you are.
In addition to his loving wife, Ralph was the proud father of four daughters, Christina DiAngelis Murphy and her husband Peter, Julie Vazquez and her husband Jesus, Jennifer Schildmeier and her husband Matthew, and Laura MacHugh and her husband Robert; and one son, David DiAngelis and his wife Glorimar. He was the beloved Papa to seven grandchildren who all adored him: Joshua & Noah Murphy, Filumena Vazquez, Paxton Schildmeier, Morgan & Kyle MacHugh, and Nico DiAngelis. He is also survived by two brothers, Arthur DiAngelis and his wife Kathy, and Ed DiAngelis.
Visiting hours will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn Street, Reading, MA on Thursday, June 1st from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield, MA on Friday, June 2nd at 10:00 am.
A private burial will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA on Tuesday, June 6th.
In honor of Ralph, please try to live each day in the present moment, doing acts of kindness, with appreciation for God and His many gifts and blessings.
