Ralph A Panagrosso Jr.

Ralph A. Panagrosso, Jr.

Loving Husband, Father and “Poppop”

Ralph Panagrosso, 75, husband of Mary-Ellen Panagrosso (McKenna) of Woodbury, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 14th, 2023. 

Ralph is survived by his children Mandy Dews and her husband Rich of Harwinton, Aidan Panagrosso of Woodbury and his girlfriend Rachel Kozak of Bethlehem, Taylor Panagrosso and his wife Myranda of Bethlehem, and his beautiful grandchildren Julien Panagrosso, Lyla Dews and Aubree Panagrosso.  Ralph was very much looking forward to the arrival of Taylor and Myranda’s baby boy due this fall.   He is also survived by Joe and Vera DeAngelo of North Haven, Paul Panagrosso of South Portland, ME and many beloved cousins and in-laws.  

Ralph was predeceased by his son Tony Panagrosso, Ralph and Theresa Panagrosso Sr. and Dr. James and Jean McKenna.

Ralph was born on February 26th, 1948, in New Haven, CT.   He grew up in North Haven and graduated from North Haven High.  Ralph had many hobbies and interests including football, drum corps and photography.

Ralph was a proud Vietnam Veteran of the United States Air Force; serving our country for four years and earned the title of Sergeant.  His duty of Aerial Reconnaissance with the U.S.A.F. is where he honed his craft of photography and later earned his Bachelor of Photo Science from Rochester Institute of Technology.

After serving in the military, Ralph had a long career at Perkin-Elmer, which later became Hughes Danbury Optical Systems where he served as Chief Photographer. During that time, Ralph had the opportunity to photo-document the construction of the Hubble Space Telescope and the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery, which carried the telescope into space in April 1990.

Ralph went on to start his own business and had a successful career as a portrait, commercial and wedding photographer.

Ralph was an avid fisherman, enjoying endless trips on his fishing boat. To know Ralph was to love him.  More than anything, Ralph loved spending time with family and friends. His personality was infectious and will be missed by many.

In his retirement, Ralph fulfilled a life-long dream of working with emergency services, becoming a photographer and volunteer of the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department where he was so proud to serve alongside Woodbury’s finest. He enjoyed the comradery and friendships that he developed during his time with the department and was always grateful to Chief Janet Morgan for her tireless dedication to her crew and their extended families.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday May 25, 2023 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St. Woodbury, CT 06798. A service will be held on Friday May 26, 2023 at 10:00am at the funeral home followed by a graveside service with full military honors at New North Cemetery in Woodbury. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Woodbury Volunteer Fire Dept, 25 Quassuk Road, Woodbury, CT 06798.

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