Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, experienced a great loss this week, with the passing of Ralph Monaco. Ralph was an attorney in New London with the firm Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco and he served on Catholic Charities Board of Directors, as well as many other outside organizations, boards and committees.

Ralph began his involvement with Catholic Charities 16 years ago when he was serving on the New London Advisory committee. During his first year on the committee, he originated the Catholic Charities Annual Golf Tournament, which still continues today and is one of the largest fund-raising events Catholic Charities holds all year. Subsequently, Ralph joined our Board of Directors in 2016 where he continued to support Catholic Charities with its mission to help all those in need.  

I was hired at Catholic Charites in October 2020 to plan their events. This is where I had the good fortune to meet Ralph. They say that people come into your life, sometimes very briefly, for a reason. This is how I feel about Ralph Monaco. He was a wonderful example of a true professional while letting his warm heart and calm demeanor shine through. He reminded me that people can have stature and distinction while emanating warmth and goodness. In all our correspondence for the tournament, Ralph ended every email with “Thank you for all that you do”.   

Now, Ralph’s legacy will live on through the Catholic Charities Annual Golf Tournament. Our mission to “Provide Help and Create Hope” is the epitome of what Ralph represented. He will greatly be missed and we will keep him and his family in our prayers.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm. Thursday, July 15, at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St., Centerbrook. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11.30 am. Friday, July 16, at St. John Roman Catholic Church, 161 Main St., Old Saybrook. To share a memory or condolence with Ralph's family please visit rwwfh.com . Donations can be made in Ralph's name to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, 331 Main St., Norwich, CT 06360.

By Sally Velcofsky