Purple Heart Recipient Dies at 85

Ralph Testa, 85, of Marlboro passed away peacefully on July 11 at the Roosevelt Care Center in Old Bridge.

Ralph was born on August 4, 1927 in Hoboken, New Jersey. He graduated High School in Hoboken and enlisted in the United States Navy and served in WWII. He left Honorably Discharged and then enlisted in the United States Army where he received a Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War. When he returned home he went to work as a teamster. He then met his wife Rose got married and moved to Jersey City where they raised their family. Ralph also lived in Toms River and later in life in Middletown during his senior years. Ralph was an usher at St. Maximillian Kolbe RC church. He was also a very big Yankee fan and loved bowling.

Ralph is predeceased by his wife Rose, his parents Joseph and Rose and also by his sister Angelina Pernicone. Ralph was married to his late wife Rose for 66 wonderful years. He was the devoted father of Ann and Andrew Darpino and also the cherished grandfather of Danielle, Alexa, and Melissa.

Ralph will be reposing at the Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, 1735 Rt. 35, Middletown, on Friday, July 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, July 15 at St. Mary’s in Colts Neck at 9 a.m. Entombment of cremated remains will be at St. Gabriels in Marlboro.

Family would like to thank Jennifer Ferrara for her outstanding service of caregiving to Ralph.