Obituary: Ralph Paolella II, 49, formerly of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Ralph Paolella II of Pompano Beach, Florida, formerly of Branford, passed away suddenly of severe respiratory congestion on December 20, 2023. He was the beloved son of Robert and Michele Santanelli Paolella of Guilford. He is also survived by his brother Robert Paolella Jr. (Elizabeth) of Trumbull, and his niece Sofia and nephew Nicholas. He is also survived by his former wife Jodi Sapiente Paolella. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Eleanor Paolella of Hamden and maternal grandparents Michael and Carmella Santanelli of Branford. Ralph graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven and then went on to Fairfield University where he earned his MBA in Marketing.

His professional career was spent at Brothers’ Harley - Davidson of Branford, a family owned business, until May 2021. His smiling face was widely recognized in the motorcycling community for many years. Ralph was an avid dog lover. He had a total of 5 Yorkies (Jojo, Lucy, Milo, Enzo, and Lola), and 3 English Bull Dogs ( Rocco, Brooklyn and Cayla). His infectious smile and warm personality will forever be missed by many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 at St. Mary Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum in North Haven. Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 P.M. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford.