Ralph S. De Socio, Jr.

Ralph S. De Socio, Jr., a native of Elmira, NY and resident of Pine City, NY passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024. He was 90 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents - Ralph S. De Socio, Sr.  and Harriet “Catherine” (Lagonegro) De Socio; his brother Anthony De Socio; and his former wife Cornelia (Supple) Schiefen.

Ralph is survived by: his beloved wife of 31 years – Mary E. (Crain) De Socio;  children – Christopher (Kathleen) De Socio of Genoa, NV and Marcella (Dennis) Backer of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren - Kelly and Adam (Gabrielle) Backer; great-grandchild Jack Backer; step-children - William Ellis and Richard (Tera) Ellis, both of Elmira, NY; step-grandchildren - Dustin Ellis, Ashley Ellis, Casey Ellis, Liam Ellis, Lauren Ellis, Kayla Ellis, Jeff Ellis, and Cassie Ellis; five step-great grandchildren; and numerous cousins.

Ralph started his career in the Army and was honorably discharged after a tour in Africa.  Upon returning from military service, he was employed by the Postal Service and had walking routes in Elmira and Southport, and progressed to a rural letter carrier in Big Flats, NY.  Ralph retired with nearly 35 years as a letter carrier to pursue his love of hunting, fishing, and gardening.  In the winter you could find Ralph ice fishing on Keuka Lake and in the summer, you could find him fishing on his favorite Penn Yan boat or working in his garden where he grew his favorite foods that he would put into all his Italian recipes he learned from his mother and father. He was a communicant of St Mary’s Church, and an active member of Italian American Veterans Club, American Legion and Elmira Elks Lodge.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904. Services will resume the following day, Friday May 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira, NY. Burial and presentation of military honors will follow immediately at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery, 623 Franklin Street, Elmira, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to a charity of your choice.