Obituary of Ralph Gabriel Mastrogiovanni

Ralph Mastrogiovanni, 73, of Vineland New Jersey passed away on Monday May 9th. Ralph was the son of Ralph Mastrogiovanni former Vineland Chief of Police and Anna (Gerula) Mastrogiovanni. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Diana; son Gabriel Mastrogiovanni and girlfriend Amy Barkalow; daughter Andrea Mastrogiovanni and her husband Kory Magyarits and two wonderful grandchildren, Carlo Otto and Talitha Giovanna Magyarits; his brother Fred Mastrogiovanni and wife Nina and their children Teresa and Robert Mastrogiovanni. (Oh, and let's not forget his best friend Roxie.) Ralph was a life long North Vineland resident. As a young man he played an essential role on his family farm. He was a proud music teacher of 32 years at Veteran's Memorial Middle School. Music was his passion from a very early age. Ralph pursued his love of jazz at Temple University. After graduation, Ralph performed professionally as part of a jazz trio performing throughout Northern New Jersey and New York City. He was a skilled trumpet player but equally comfortable with the bass. After marrying Diana, they relocated to North Jersey so he could continue to pursue his love of music and they started their family. Ralph always maintained strong roots and ties to Vineland. He and Diana returned to the place he loved where he could raise his two children surrounded by family and in the manner he saw fit. Ralph enjoyed the outdoors particularly fishing and boating. Never was he without a project. He was a true tinkerer and always believed that an outboard engine could be fixed. And if you looked in the back of his Suburban you never knew what part you might find. In the end Ralph's desires were simple. A long run with his dog Roxie to start the day and a nice grilled del monico steak to finish. All, hopefully paired with the family that he loved and the proper glass of Italian red wine. He will be remembered for his strong family bonds, as an avid boater, a fisherman, an animal lover and most recently very proud grandfather. Ralph will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ralph's name be made to Vineland Board of Education. All funds collected will benefit the music program at Memorial Middle School. Please mail contributions to: Capizola, Pancari, Lapham and Fralinger c/o RGM 100 North Main Road Vineland NJ 08360 RONE TO PROVIDE THEIR INFO Services Tuesday May 17th Visitation - 3:00 - 5:00 Memorial - 5:00 - 6:00