Ralph “Sonny” Velleca Jr., 89, of Hamden, died peacefully on March 14, 2019. He was born in New Haven, CT, son of the late Raffaele & Francesca D’Amato Velleca. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Rose Catone Velleca. He proudly served in the US Army, stationed at Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, WA. After the military he attended college on the GI Bill and received his teaching degree. He taught in North Haven retiring in 1991 from Orchard Hill Jr. High School, and was continually recognized by his students into his 80’s. He was a founding and active member of Church of the Ascension in Hamden, and was a skilled woodworker and gardener. He is survived by his children, Ann (Peter) Larsen of Williston, VT, Ralph Velleca III (Judith) of Andover, MA, Carole Velleca of Hamden; his beloved grandsons Nicholas and Gregory Velleca; his sisters Julia (Ralph) Nicefaro and Ann Geelan; much loved nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by sisters Carmel Velleca, Amelia “Molly” DeRose, Elizabeth “Betty” Barese, Raffaela Velleca, and brother Gennaro Velleca; in-laws Ralph DeRose, Bernard Geelan, Jr., Theresa Catone, Ida & Dominic Anastasio, and Joseph & Dava Catone. He loved his family, the home he built, and cherished memories of his Wooster Street neighborhood.
The visiting hours will be Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 11:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in Centerville Cemetery, Hamden. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory can be made to The Masonic Charity Foundation of CT, PO Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.
I will always hear his infectious laugh and see his smile when I think of Mr. Velleca. So many memories if our families getting together during school holidays! May he send extra angels to comfort friends and family at this time of mourning. My love to you all.
Thank you all, for posting such lovely thoughts, and memories of our Dad. We will miss him greatly.
So sad to hear this. He was an excellent teacher. I learned so much in his class. My condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Velleca. I had him for a history teacher in high school. He was a great teacher and an even nicer person. May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ralph Velleca. I had him for a teacher in junior high school, I believe it was for history. May he rest in peace.
I did not know “Sonny” personally. However
I am privileged to have come to know and love Carole
Carole and my daughter Mary best of friends since St. Mikes
Everyone knows that kids take after their parents.
Carole exemplifies loving, caring, faithful friendship .
A quality passed on to all the kids.
I am sure you are grieving now but you will soon have happy memories to fill the days ‘till you all together again.
Know that you all are in my prayers.
Don
My thoughts, prayers & sympathy to all. Uncle Sonny was a warm, gentle and loving man who always welcomed me with a hug and a kind smile. I treasure the many wonderful memories of times shared with your family. Sending my love to you always.
My deepest sympathies to you Ann and your entire family. I hope it will bring some comfort knowing Ralph is “safely home” now in our loving Savior’s arms, free from pain and sorrow. Blessings, peace and love to you. Sincerely sorry, Peggy
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Velleca was my geography
Teacher at Orchard Hill Jr High. I remember him praising a report I did & I always remembered how special that made me feel.