Ralph S. Risio

Ralph S. Risio, lifelong resident of Newburgh, NY, entered into rest at the age of 90 after a brief illness in Port Richey, FL, on July 3, 2022.

He was the son of Secondino and Rosalia (Sgarlata) Risio. He was a 1950 graduate of Newburgh Free Academy. A veteran of the Korean war, he served honorably in the Marines, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He married Louise M. Yablonsky; they raised six children together. 

Ralph was a lifelong businessman in the city of Newburgh; licensed master electrician, real estate broker, licensed boat captain, and a flight instructor. He enjoyed hunting, cooking, reading, but most of all, he enjoyed flying his airplane. He once mentioned after hearing the fictional epitaph by W.C. Fields, “ I’d rather be living in Philadelphia,” that his epitaph would be, “I’d rather be flying.”

He was mostly known for initiating the revival of the Newburgh waterfront with his marine contracting business, Gully’s floating restaurant, and marina. He was extremely benevolent to the local community in donating his tugboat and barge for the fireworks displays as well as hosting numerous fundraisers for local charities.  

He will be remembered for his civic service, and as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ralph was predeceased by his wife Louise, son Richard, and his sisters Mary Campolo and Virginia Cavallo. 

Ralph is survived by his children, Katherine Risio-Smith and husband, Tom of West Shokan, Ralph Risio of New Paltz, Mark Risio and wife, Nancy of Mongomery, Susan Chesser and husband, Bob of Newburgh, Ann Hasbrouck and husband, David of Marlboro; grandchildren, Michael Gagliano and wife Gosia, Kevin Gagliano and fiancee Alexandra Dias, Deanna and Gina Pillius, Mark, Michael, and Megan Risio; great-grandchildren, Mateo, Mila, and Maks Gagliano. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, July 21 at St. Patrick’s Church, 55 Grand St., Newburgh NY. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor, NY.