Obituary of Ralph Zurlo

Ralph Zurlo, 78, passed peacefully Thursday, March 14, 2024. Mr. Zurlo was born and raised in Brooklyn, moving to Staten Island with his wife, Andrea upon his honorable discharge from the military. He was a loving husband and father, Real estate developer of well over 1,000 homes on Staten Island, member of SIBOR and former President of the NYC Builder’s Association, co-owner of Volpe Realty. He was also a restauranteur of Violette’s Cellar, Whisky Hideaway and Billiard Hideaway, an army veteran and a world traveler with his loving wife Andrea of 52 years. He touched more lives than you can imagine with his stories and generosity. A philanthropist involved with many charitable organizations, including, SI Mental Health, JCC and SIUH Foundation. He also served as usher at St. Rita’s church and volunteered at Clove Lakes Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Ralph, loving known by many as Buddy, was pre-deceased by parents, Ralph & Alice Zurlo, his brother Robert and his wife, Andrea. He is survived by his son Marc and daughter-in-law Irina, his sisters Jeanette Reale and Debra Neglia. He enjoyed spending time, telling countless stories, with his 6 nieces and nephews, as well as his 13 great-nieces and nephews and countless friends and family. Visitation for friends and family is at Matthew Funeral home on Victory Blvd., Saturday, March 16, from 2-4 pm and 7-9, or Sunday, March 17, 2-6 pm. Funeral mass is at St. Rita's church on Bradley Ave. on Monday, March 18, at 10:00 am followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Flowers are welcome. Or in lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to SIUH Foundation in memory of Ralph Zurlo, earmarked Violette’s Cellar.