Obituary of Ralph William Vacca

Ralph “Mr. Fix-It”, was known for his love of the Buffalo Bills, work ethic, humor and willingness to go out of his way for his friends and family. Ralph William Vacca, age 66, of the City of Rome, NY, died on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

He was born in Rome, NY, on November 13, 1958 to William and Stella Kulesa Vacca, who he loved and cared for as they got older. Ralph attended and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1976 before joining the US Army in 1982. He was extremely proud of his military service and it helped jump start his technical career.

Ralph met the love of his life, Marianna DiPaolo, in 1981, while working at the West Rome Drive-In. After dating, they were excited to officially start their lives together and were married in 1982. Ralph and Marianna started their own family with the birth of their first son, Michael Vacca, in 1982. Shortly afterwards followed by their second son, Ralph Vacca, in 1985 and finally, Robert Vacca, in1987. Ralph was proud of his children and was known to provide and help with anything they needed.  He was extremely passionate about his work. Ralph served as a Multi-technical Mechanic for the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, in Marcy, NY, where he proudly worked for over 25 years.

Everyone who knows Ralph, knew how much he loved DJ’ing karaoke parties. His ability to make people laugh and provide a technically sound show will be forever missed.

Although he loved his children and wife dearly, Ralph’s favorite family role was that of a grandparent. In 2012 his first grandchild was born, Gabriel Vacca, followed by is second, Stella Vacca in 2019. He treasured his time with them and loved being their “Poppi”.

Ralph had a soft spot for his dog, treating her as a valuable member of the family. He loved his dog Meka dearly and help cared for his son’s dogs, especially Gizmo

Ralph had several dear friends throughout the community and would do anything to help them. He will be missed by many of them, especially his long -time friend Thomas Addison.

Surviving is his loving wife, Marianna Vacca and his children, Michael, Ralph (Jamie) Vacca and Robert (Sarah) Vacca, grandchildren, Gabriel Vacca, and Stella Vacca. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Fred (Cris) DiPaolo, Tony (Mary Kay) DiPaolo, William DiPaolo and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Stella Vacca, an infant sister, Debra Ann, and a brother, Robert Conway. 

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the Rome Fire Department EMT’s and the Rome Police Department for their care and concern towards Ralph.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 7:00 pm, at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, NY.  Friends may call on Monday from 4-7 pm.  Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com