Raphael D. “Ralph” Niccolai – Belle Vernon, Washington Township

Raphael D. “Ralph” Niccolai, 85, of Belle Vernon, Washington Township, passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at Monongahela Valley Hospital. Born Nov. 13, 1935, in Belle Vernon, he was the son of the late Gino and Fabiola Sylvester Niccolai. A lifelong resident of Belle Vernon, Mr. Niccolai was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church and was vice president and controller of Wetterau Food Distribution. Ralph was a member of the Belle Vernon fire department and the Washington Township volunteer fire department where he served as past recording secretary, served as a trustee for the Fox Education Foundation, was a member of the Washington Township Planning Committee and was instrumental in securing grants to build the Center on the Hill and later served on its board of directors and its treasurer. Ralph also enjoyed playing cards at the Center on the Hill, was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, played on several area golf leagues, vacationed with family and friends at Myrtle Beach, enjoyed traveling with the love of his life, Marcella and most of all enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Marcella Tomalski Niccolai, to whom he was married 58 years; three children, Monica Niccolai and Melanie of Rehoboth Beach, Del., Ralph Nicolai of New Bethlehem and Susan (Paul) Mastovich of Johnstown; five grandchildren, Ashley (Christian) Vaccaro, Ryan Niccolai, Nicholas Mastovich, Noah Mastovich, Rachel Niccolai; a great-granddaughter, Emma Lynn Vaccaro; brother and sister- in-law Harry and Bonnie Niccolai of Monessen; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Ramsier, Marie Tonarelli, Annette (Sam) Suppa; and a brother-in-law, Tom and Debbie Tomalski; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Kathleen McCullough, Joann Vizza and Jean Boyce. Family visitation was held at the PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS LLC, family owned and operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-6183. Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Joel Bocco as celebrant. Interment followed in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The family would wish to extend a special you to Ralph’s caregiver for the past several years, Cindy. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.