Ralph B. Manganiello, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ralph B. Manganiello, Jr. announce his passing on April 23, 2023, at the age of 85. After fighting a long illness, he took his last breath surrounded by his loving family at Beth Israel Hospital in Needham.

He will be sorely missed by his devoted wife, Eleanor (Duhaime), his adoring daughter Kathy Murray and her husband Chris of Medfield, and his sons Ralph Manganiello and his wife Cece of Franklin, and Richard and his wife Jennifer of Ridgefield, CT. His beloved grandchildren Courtney, Devin and Meredith Murray, and Brooke and Ava Manganiello will always hold him dear in their hearts. He will be lovingly remembered by his godson, many nephews and nieces, extended family, friends, and so many others he touched in his life with his kindness and generosity.

Born the youngest of five in Needham, MA, he was the son of the late Raffaele and Josephine (Pedi) Manganiello. He was predeceased by his brothers Carmine, Veto and Joseph and his sister Teresa Estill. He met Eleanor, the love of his life, as a boy and they created a wonderful life together, celebrating their 65th anniversary in October. Ralph was a devoted husband, father, papa and uncle, who took great joy in providing for his family, building a life filled with love, laughter and joyful memories that will be cherished forever. He was considered a “second Dad” by many, including his children’s friends.

Mr. Manganiello was a plasterer in his younger years.  A self-made man with a sharp business acumen, he was a hard worker who believed in making his own luck. He became a respected developer who built some of the most beautiful homes in Medfield and the surrounding towns, first with his brother-in-law and business partner, the late William Duhaime, and later with his son Ralph. A Medfield resident for most of his life and the owner of 258 Main Street Plaza for many years, he supported the town at every opportunity. He was a proud veteran of the Army, a member of the Army Reserve and the American Legion. 

Ralph was, above all, a family man. The definition of “patriarch”, he was a mentor to both sides of the family, always available to provide guidance and generous assistance. With a perpetually positive attitude, he was always on the move, making plans. He loved celebrating milestones and hosting the holidays, especially Christmas. It was always a full house at the Manganiellos, filled with family, relatives and friends, no expense spared, the more the merrier. The day after, he was back on the move, driving with Eleanor in record time to Deerfield Beach Florida, their “happy place”. Summers were enjoyed at Lake Winnipesaukee, where he loved boating and camping and was known by everyone as “Mr. Mag”.  An animal lover, he always had a loyal dog by his side among the many other pets he brought home over the years.

For so many of us, life will never be the same now, but we are all so lucky to have had such an amazing man in our lives. Young at heart and full of mischief, he was so much fun to be around. A fighter until the end, one of his nurses recently called him “Superman”, and he was. 

Visiting hours will be held at Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham on Thursday, April 27th from 4-7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 28th at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham. Interment with military honors will be at Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. 

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