Ralph Lawrence Ditucci

Ret. USAF, Lt. Col. Ralph Lawrence DiTucci, 87, of O’Fallon, IL, born Nov. 9, 1928 in Manhattan, New York, passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, surrounded by family and friends at his home.

Ralph proudly served his country for 24 years, serving in both World War II and the Vietnam War.  In addition to his country, Ralph was dedicated to his church, family and friends.  He was a member of St. Nicholas Church in O’Fallon, IL.  He loved history, children, and was proud of the years that he mentored at Jefferson School.  He loved to read, scripture classes, crossword puzzles, and traveling.  He always listened attentively and had a kind word to say to others.  He will be dearly missed.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Emma, nee Dazet, DiTucci; his stepmother Earline, nee McCoy, DiTucci; and brothers, Joseph and Richard DiTucci.

Surviving are his wife Diane, nee Bechtoldt, DiTucci; sister, Loretta Ellington; nieces and nephews, Diane (Michael) Teneriello, Dr. Joseph (Sharon) Ellington, Robert (Suad) Ellington, Denise (John) Kobryn, Marianne (Greg) Ferguson, Richard DiTucci, and godchild, Jamie Bechtoldt.

Memorials may be made to the Ministry to the Sick and Aged, 2620 Lebanon Ave. Bldg #6, Belleville, IL 62221; or Catholic Urban Programs, P. O. Box 3310, East St. Louis, IL 62203-3310; or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, P. O. Box 52074, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2074.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com .

Visitation: Visitation is from 4 to 8 PM Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015 at the Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL, and from 9 to 10 AM Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in O’Fallon, IL.

Funeral: a funeral Mass will be held 10 AM Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church with Msgr. William Hitpas officiating.  Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.