Dr. Ralph A. Falcone, 91, of 101 Richards Ave., died peacefully on Friday, November 16, 2012 under the loving care of his family and the staff at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester. Born and raised in Norwich, Connecticut, Dr. Falcone was the son of Italian immigrants, Frank and Grace (Pastore) Falcone and lived 18 years in Worcester before moving to Paxton in 1966.
     At the age of twelve Dr. Falcone, as many children of immigrants parents did at the time, helped support his family’s efforts by working after school at a local bowling alley. His ambition, incredible work ethic, and perseverance lead the way for his education which included Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, CT where he graduated second in his class, the University of Connecticut and his acceptance into Tufts Medical School in Boston receiving a full scholarship, graduating in 1947. While in medical school, he met and fell in love with Alice Conway of Cambridge and on June 17, 1947 they married and later moved to Worcester.
     With World War II still ongoing, Dr. Falcone enlisted in United States Army Air Corps where he furthered his medical training. During the Korean War, he served as a captain and surgeon in South Korea with the United States Air Force. After returning home from Korea, he continued his career as a surgical resident at St. Vincent Hospital. He practiced general surgery at St. Vincent Hospital for over 35 years retiring in 1987. He was also served on the surgical staff at Fairlawn Hospital in Worcester and enjoyed teaching in the Surgical Residency Program at St. Vincent Hospital. He was awarded a Fellow by the American Board of Surgeons.
     Dr. Falcone was one of the founding members of the Genesis Club, Inc. in Worcester, a program designed to assist individuals with mental illness attain employment, housing, wellness, and friendships. He was a member of St. Columba Church in Paxton and served on its Finance Committee,
     He was a voracious reader and thoroughly enjoyed relaxing at the end of the day reading a mystery novel or catching up on the lasted trends in the stock market. He looked forward to going out socially and dancing with his wife Alice, and will be remembered for his tenacious, yet compassionate nature.
     He leaves his wife of 65 years, Alice C. (Conway) Falcone; his daughter, Pamela J. Glavin and her husband Carl Widdiss of Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard; three sons, Ralph A. Falcone, Jr. of South Yarmouth, John C. Falcone and his wife Jill of Wellesley, and Paul V. Falcone of Worcester; a sister, Antoinette Gwiazdowski of Norwich, CT; a brother, Frank Falcone of Norwich, CT; two grandchildren, Gimili G, Glavin and her partner, George Berz and Grace L. Falcone; a great grandson, Elliott B. Berz; nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by a sister, Rose Amodeo.
     Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dr. Falcone’s family from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, at their residence, 101 Richards Avenue, Paxton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 21, at St. Columba Church, 10 Richards Ave., Paxton. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Genesis Club, Inc., 274 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605, www.genesisclub.org. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.