Ralph Ciani

Albany-Ralph A. Ciani, 85, died Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at St. Peter’s Hospital with his beloved family at his side. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Manlio and Raffaela Inglais Ciani. Ralph, his father and brothers operated a family painting business and he went on to retire as a painter from the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades Union. Ralph served his Country honorably in the US Army during WW II. He was a distinguished member of that group Mr. Brokaw called, “The Greatest Generation,” and fought in some of the most epic battles of that war, including Normandy, Northern France, the Battle of the Bulge, Central Europe and the Rhineland. He was a member of the Mohawk Hudson Valley Veterans of The Battle of the Bulge, Chapter 49. He also was a member of a group of combat engineers, called “Damned Engineers. “ His family will always remember his love for them, and his wonderful sense of humor. He was the beloved husband for 59 years of Lucy A. Paolucci Ciani; loving father of Francis P. Ciani (Jean) of CA, Lucy Ann Mazzaferro (Thomas) of Colonie, and Ann Marie Greene (Stephen) of Guilderland; cherished grandfather of Jana Lauer, Michael Ciani, Theresa Barbera, Amy Shalett, Laura Mazzaferro, Matthew, Paige and Ben Greene; great grandfather of Tyler; brother of the late Rev. Francis P. Ciani, Carmel “Millie” Padula, Margaret “Mig” Fusco, Alesandra “Nana” Rosano, Rocco Ciani, Anthony Ciani, Michael Ciani, and Albert Ciani; beloved brother in law of Anna Driscoll; many nieces and nephews survive. Funeral services Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 8:15 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capitol Hill at 9:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday, January 1, 2010 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. To leave the family a special message on their Guest Book; obtain a Prayer Card or directions; or share an E-Card or photo with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Ralph Ciani

March 23, 1924 - December 30, 2009