Ralph J. Dalusio lost his battle with heart and kidney disease on December 11, 2020 at the age of 87. He will be forever missed by his children, Ralph (Lesley), Brian (Barbara), Susan (Rod), Thomas and Mary (Carl). Ralph will also be lovingly remembered by his 11 grandchildren, Nicole, Mariel, Brian, Allison, Sabrina, Brittany, Michele, Jaime, Ashley, Tom and Jimmy, 8 great grandchildren, loving nieces and nephews and countless members of the RC Flying Community whom he mentored and inspired. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Ralph, and brother Eugene.

Ralph enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in Jersey City surrounded by his large Italian family: being scolded by his grandmother to stop eating cherries off the tree, never finding a better chili dog than the neighborhood hot dog cart and gatherings that took place around the first TV his father built. His interest for all things mechanical began here in an auto shop, leading to his career as a bowling mechanic and later engineer: first at Eldorado Tool, then Westport Inc. from where he retired in 1995. Ralph was gifted a Gateway computer at retirement and soon became everyone's go-to for PC and, eventually, Mac related computer issues. He enjoyed playing video games, spending hours entertaining his grandchildren with Crash Bandicoot and more recently playing Destiny on his Play Station. He was musically inclined playing many instruments, trumpet, guitar, accordion, in different bands throughout the years and loved recounting the story of being paid for some gigs in pizzas. Ralph was the first to bowl a perfect 300 game at Derby Lanes in Connecticut and may have gone on to bowl professionally if not for an elbow injury. Until his health would no longer allow it, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle with friends and family.

Flying RC models and teaching others was Ralph's passion. He was a long-standing AMA member and spent most of his free time at the Daytona Beach Radio Control Association. His smooth and controlled helicopter flying style was admired by all and led to many competitive wins. After retiring and moving to Florida he joined Ernie Huber's Flying School teaching students the skills necessary to be better pilots, making many life-long friends. He was proud to fly the flag at the opening ceremonies of the annual IRCHA event for many years. Never one to give up, when his eyesight began to fail him, Ralph switched to flying airplanes allowing him to stay with the hobby that gave him so much joy.

Ralph supported his children, grandchildren and friends the best way he knew how, with an open ear (although you'd often have to repeat yourself), sound advice and unconditional love. A celebration of his life is planned for Spring 2021.