Ralph D'Elia Sr.

11/08/2001

Ralph Frederick D'Elia Sr., 89, of 136 South St. died yesterday morning at home. Mr. D'Elia was a longtime member of the Planning Board and of the Berkshire County Regional Planning Commission, where he served as treasurer and on its executive committee. Born in Boston on Aug. 13, 1912, son of Pasquale and Esther Puorro D'Elia, he attended Boston schools and was a 1937 graduate of Northeastern University, earning a degree in civil engineering. A World War II Army veteran, he served as a master sergeant in the 168th Combat Engineering Battalion in five military campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge, for which he received a Bronze Star. Mr. D'Elia was employed by Petricca Construction Co. beginning in 1955 as a superintendent. He was promoted several times, retiring in 1983 as manager of engineering and chief estimator. He also was a registered professional engineer and land surveyor. A communicant of St. Mary's Church, he was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9396 and Disabled American Veterans. He also was treasurer of the Cheshire Lions Club and received a plaque recognizing his service. He enjoyed square dancing with his wife, and also enjoyed target shooting. He leaves his wife, the former Eleanor F. Heath, whom he married June 29, 1941; two sons, Ralph F. D'Elia Jr. of Lanesboro and West Stockbridge, and John E. D'Elia of Nova Scotia and St. Mary's, Ga.; a sister, Anna Parisi of Schenectady, N.Y.; three brothers, Frederick D'Elia of Cape Cod, Edward D'Elia of Stockton, Calif., and Victor D'Elia of Framingham; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Robert P. D'Elia, who died April 19, 1977, and a sister, Pauline Ralston of Framingham, who died in 1999. The funeral for Mr. D'Elia will be tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. from DERY-CHESHIRE FUNERAL HOME, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at 9 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church by the Rev. David Raymond, pastor. Burial will follow in Cheshire Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be today from 4 to 7. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. D'Elia's memory may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the funeral home, 121 North St., Cheshire, MA 01225.

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