Hartford, VT – Ralph E. Funari, 68, died at home with his family on Friday March 30, 2018.He was born July 18, 1949 in Wilmington, DE a son of Ivo and Helen (Gianinni) Funari and spent his youth in Penns Grove, NJ where he attended the St. James School. When Ralph was a teenager his family moved to Fitchburg, MA and he later joined the US Navy, served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence.  After his honorable discharge in 1970 he met Philomena "Chickie" Landry and they were married at St. Mary's Church in Ayer, MA on June 19, 1971.  Ralph attended Northern Essex Community College and Whittier Vocational Tech both in Haverhill, MA where he earned his Associates Degree and LPN. He worked as an LPN at various hospitals in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.  The Funaris moved to Harford, VT in 1986 where they have lived since. Ralph enjoyed playing pool, listening to audio books, riding motorcycles and attending USS Independence reunions.  He attended St. Anthony Church in White River Jct. where he was a member of the Michaud Council of the Knights of Columbus.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 22 in Lebanon, NH and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Enrica Funari and Sister Kristin (Elaine) Funari.He leaves his wife, Philomena, of Hartford, VT, son Anthony Funari and his partner Kim Wilcox of Quechee, VT; daughters Felicia Hayes and husband Stephen of White River Jct., and Renata Whitten and husband Craig of Hartford; grandchildren Nicholas and Sebastian Hayes, Ethan Whitten, Ashton Funari and his mother Kristen Funari and Giovanni Funari and his mother Candace Gates. Ralph's family is grateful to all the Bayada Hospice team, including Janet, Billie, Katie and Gail for the special care he received allowing him to remain in the comfort of his home and family during his illness.Visiting hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., from 4-8PM on Tuesday April 3rd.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony Church Wednesday April 4th at 11AM with burial in the Vermont Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT at a later date to be announced.In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Church Building Fund, 15 Church Street, White River Jct., VT 05001 or the York Street Project, 89 York Street, Jersey City, NJ 07032 or  http://yorkstreetproject.org/donate/