Ralph Peter Quitadamo, 81, of Lavallee Terrace, died Friday, April 21, 2006, in The Soldiers Home of Holyoke, surrounded by his loving family.

He leaves his best friend and wife of close to fifty-eight years, Virginia E. (Bassett) Quitadamo; three sons, Ralph Paul Quitadamo of Worcester, Anthony Quitadamo of Holden, and Richard Quitadamo of Shrewsbury; three daughters, Dianne Lowe of Townsend, Marcia Quitadamo of Worcester, and Susan Hunt of Charlton; three brothers, Camillo J. Quitadamo of Worcester, Arthur M. Quitadamo Shrewsbury, and Pasquale J. Quitadamo of Worcester; ten grandchildren; a great grand daughter; many nieces, and nephews. He was pre-deceased by two sisters, Antoinette Connors and Virginia Monfreda. He was born in Worcester, the son of Pasquale and Josephine (Fenio) Quitadamo, and has lived here all his life.

Mr. Quitadamo was a career Army National Guardsman. He began his military service in the United States Army, during World War II, and continued to serve his country through the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1985 as Master Sergeant from the 181st Infantry Battalion in Worcester, having previously being Master Sergeant at the 26th Aviation Wing in Leominster. In 1979 he received the Outstanding N.C.O. Award for his life of service to the Army National Guard, he also received a Key to The City of Worcester.

He was a member of Our Lady of Angels Church, the Eastside Post 201-American Legion, where he was Past Commander, he was a past member of the Frohsinn Club in Shrewsbury. He and his wife enjoyed ballroom dancing, and he did furniture refinishing at the Worcester Craft Center. He also enjoyed bowling at Auburn Ten Pin.