Raphael Borrelli Obituary

LAWRENCE — Mr. Raphael "Ralph" F. Borrelli, 85, of Lawrence, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 in the Academy Manor in Andover.

Born and raised in Lawrence, he was the son of the late Sabatino and Elizabeth (Rogers) Borrelli. He received his education in the Lawrence school system and graduated from Lawrence High School, Class of 1941. During high school he worked as a doorman at the Warner Theater in Lawrence.

A proud and honorably discharged veteran, he served his country during World War II as an electrician's mate third class as a member of the United States Navy. He served on the USS Texas and USS Miami and received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, the Asian Pacific Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa during his service years.

After returning home from the War, he worked for his father-in-law at Back Bay Furniture in Lawrence. He was later employed for many years at the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association in Boston until the time of his retirement in 1983 where he received many awards for excellent service.

Mr. Borrelli was a member of the Lawrencian Ski Club where he made many life long friends there and at the lodge in Bartlett, N.H. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Salem, N.H. He also enjoyed fishing and golf. He enjoyed holidays and summer get-togethers with his children and grandchildren.

Ralph was a man of principal and honor and will be dearly missed by all who loved him. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Academy Manor for the care and comfort they gave Ralph and the family during a very difficult time.

Surviving him are two daughters, Gail Landry of Salem, N.H. and Jayne Ahlman and her husband Peter of Salem, N.H.; six grandchildren, Dean Landry, James Landry, David Landry, Frank Landry, Nicole Bonin and Cory Ahlman; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth Byron and her husband James of Lawrence; many nieces and nephews, including his special niece, BettyAnn Byron whom he was very close to; and his dear friend, Rita Lonardo of Methuen. He was also brother of the late Clyde and George Borrelli.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends may call on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. His funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 20 at 12 noon in the funeral home chapel following the calling hours. His interment will be private. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Ralph's memory to the Lawrence Ski Club - YMCA, 50 Prospect St., Lawrence, MA 01841. For directions and condolences, please visit our website and online guestbook at www.cataudellaFH.com.