Ralph Gaeta, 93, of Southern Pines, passed away on Friday, October 12, 2023, at First Health Hospice House in Pinehurst after a short illness.
Mr. Gaeta was born on February 22, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Ciro & Mary D’Apice Gaeta. He retired from the Nassau County Police Department in 1974 and made Southern Pines his home.
Ralph was a Mason for 70 years and member of Masonic Lodge No. 484 of Southern Pines and the Lynbrook-Massapequa Lodge No. 822 of Rockville Center, N.Y.
He also was a member of many organizations related to his Police career, primary among them the International Police Officer’s Association – Region 14, the Superior Officers Association, and the Police Benevolent Association. He enjoyed bird shooting, fishing, reading, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren and friends. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.
Mr. Gaeta is survived by his children; daughter, Alane Gaeta Lennon, and her husband Tony of Southern Pines; son, Dr. Ronald Barthold Gaeta of Newtown, Connecticut; grandchildren, Crosby Hanlon Gaeta of New York, N.Y, Walker James Gaeta of Newtown, Connecticut; daughter-in- laws, Margaret (Sandy) Gaeta, Cyrus Gaeta of Clinton, CT; sister Ruth Gaeta Gallo of Merrick, NY and family friend, Andrew McVerry. He leaves numerous nieces & nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Alice Barthold Gaeta and his son, Ralph Alfred Gaeta.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 1:00PM at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Thyne officiating. A time of visitation will immediately follow the service.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to his care givers; Susan, Secoya, Sherica, Monique, and Dee as well as the First Health Hospice team for the caring and compassionate care they provided to Ralph and the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Health Hospice, 150 Applecross Rd., Pinehurst, N. C. 28374.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
