Cornish, NH – Ralph J. Demasi, 77, died peacefully at home on Friday, July 4, 2025. He was born in Mechanicsville, NY on October 8, 1947, the only child of Ralph and Mary (Melone) Gagliardi. His father died when he was very young. When Mary married Louis Demasi, Louis adopted him and stepped into the role of father. Ralph grew up in Milford, CT and moved to the Upper Valley in the 1970s to help open and operate Casey's Tavern (now Skunk Hollow) in Hartland.

Ralph combined his love and knowledge of automobiles with his business acumen and opened Atlantic Motor Cars in Plainfield, NH. Over the more than four decades he built many long-term relationships as he helped match people with the cars best suited to them. He enjoyed getting to know people, hearing their stories, and helping to make sure that their investment matched their unique situation and needs. He openly and honestly shared his knowledge with anyone who asked for advice, even if it cost him a sale.

After he met Wendy Starr, the two struck up a friendship and became loving partners. Together they traveled the US from coast to coast, found wonderfully authentic roadside places with the best food, while visiting family and friends.

Ralph was ever the gentleman, exhibiting grace and kindness. He adored long walks with those who were dearest to him.

He is survived by his partner of more than 25 years, Wendy Starr of Cornish; two sons with Mary Gilmore of Newport, NH John Demasi and his partner Liz Skeris of Windsor and Thomas Demasi of Windsor; Wendy's sons Charles Starr and his partner Ally Bortolazzo of Santa Barbara, CA and John Starr of Windsor; other relatives and many friends.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 2pm at the Westgate-Peterson Cemetery on Freeman Road in Plainfield. Memorial donations are appreciated to Cornish Rescue Squad, PO Box 235, Cornish Flats, NH 03746.

Knight Funeral Home of Windsor, VT has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.