Ralph Joseph Vecchio

Ralph Joseph Vecchio, a man of indomitable spirit and unyielding tenacity, left us on January 26, 2026. He was born in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, on September 24, 1937, to the late Joseph and Connie (Battaglia) Vecchio.

Ralph was a graduate of Villanova University and St. John's Law School. He served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps, Captain, 2nd, Anglico. Ralph was the retired deputy commissioner and general counsel for the NYS Thruway Authority, prior to this, he served as Deputy Commisioner of the NYS Dept. of Tax and Finance and Dept. of Civil Service. Ralph also held positions as Deputy Director, Corporation of Tax Bureau and Executive Director, Governor's Special Commission reporting on state sales tax (Gov. Hugh Carey).

Prior to entering state government service, he held several jobs including Special Clerk, Criminal Division, NYS Supreme Court, Richmond County and Special Agent for the Office of Naval Intelligence.

Ralph enjoyed sailing and sailed the East Coast from Maine to Marathon Key, Florida. He was proud to say he sailed as a navigator of the Atlantic four times. He was also an avid rifleman, holding classifications as an instructor of high-powered and small bore rifle shooting. He enjoyed playing chess on the weekends at the Blind Squirrel's Chess Club in Salem.

Ralph is survived by his loving family, his daughter Elaine Bernhard and son-in-law Douglas, sons, Michael and Thomas Vecchio, and stepdaughter's Susan Kissling and Elise Schelette-Kissling (Magnus); grandchildren, Francesca Vecchio, George and Matthew Bernhard, Swinda, Imogen, and Marret Schlette-Kissling ; brother, Joe Vecchio; sister, Terri (Tom) Kennedy; sister-in-law, Gayle Vecchio; several nieces and nephews.

Through them, his spirit lives on, his stories continue to be told, and his love continues to be felt.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by, his cherished wife of 40 years, Jeannine Vecchio; brother, Robert Vecchio.

Family and friends may call from 12 to 2 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Flynn Bros, Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St, Greenwich, NY, 12834. His memorial service will immediately follow at the funeral home.

Spring burial with full military honors will be held in the Gerald BH Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY, 12871.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or other veteran organization.

As we bid farewell to Ralph, we invite you to share your fondest memories and upload photos to his memorial page at www.flynnbrosinc.com