Ralph Joseph Mauro, Jr., 78, of Vero Beach, passed away on Dec. 31, 2015, at Indian River Medical Center.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Darlene Mauro of Vero Beach; inspiring children, Tonia Mauro of Mansfield, Conn., Dale Mauro (Judy) of Fort Pierce and Christina Welker (Bayne) of Versailles, Kent.; loving stepchildren Russell Constantine (Tammy) of Shelton, Conn., Cynthia Arango of Vero Beach and Kevin Constantine of Saratoga, N.Y.; sister, Agatha Kekacs of Shelton, Conn.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Mauro was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and lived in Vero Beach for 17 years coming from Homosassa, Fla.
He was a United States Marine Veteran having served from 1953 to 1960. He retired from the Marines after being the only survivor of a horrific plane crash. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America 1038 and the Marine Corps League in Vero Beach.
Mauro was employed as an Air Traffic Control Supervisor at Bradley International Airport, Hartford, Conn., until his retirement in 1984 after 20 years of service.
He was also an active member of the Elks Lodge 1774 Vero Beach.
Mauro’s kindness and generosity touched so many. He was a gentle man and true friend. Those who knew him also loved his ever present sense of humor-especially his poker buddies. The family is comforted knowing he is enjoying the company of his beloved pet Max. Our family has lost a wonderful patriarch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Viet Nam Veterans of America 1038, 760 8th Ct, Vero Beach, FL 32962 or Vero Beach Elks Lodge 1774, 1350 26th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960 in memory of Ralph Joseph Mauro, Jr.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A Funeral Service will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 at Strunk Funeral Home with Chaplain Richard Flick officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Sebastian Area Veterans Honor Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America 1038 and The Marine Corps League.
An online guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
