Rafael "Ralph" Vincent Prisco

Ralph Prisco

July 18, 1960 – June 1, 2026

Ralph Prisco passed away peacefully in the hospital on June 1, 2026. He was born on July 18, 1960, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Immaculata and Antonio Prisco.

Ralph grew up in Elizabeth and graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1978. In 1984, after the opening of the beloved Prisco Meat and Deli Market in Union, Ralph moved to Union, where the Prisco family was welcomed by the community with open arms.

Ralph was a true community man. From his younger years officiating baseball, football, and basketball, to most recently volleyball, and through his years of involvement with the Special Olympics, he was always willing to give his time and be part of something bigger than himself. He was also a Democratic Committee Member in Union, another reflection of how much he cared about his community and the people around him. He loved all sports, especially watching his nieces and nephews play. To many, he was simply known as “Uncle Ralph.”

At Prisco Meat and Deli Market, Ralph worked side by side with his beloved sister, Lucia. The two shared a special bond, and those who knew them knew there was never a single argument between them. Ralph took great pride in his work. He was talented with a knife, skilled in sausage making, and known for slicing chicken cutlets with care and precision.

Ralph took pride in every part of his life — whether he was officiating baseball, football, basketball, and most recently volleyball, keeping the police department spotless, maintaining his yard, working behind the counter, or being there for family and friends. He was steady, loyal, hardworking, and always willing to help.

Ralph was a one-of-a-kind son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend. He lived his life helping others and enjoying the simple moments along the way. Even at the end of his life, Ralph gave to others through organ donation, leaving behind one final act of generosity.

Ralph is survived by his loving siblings: Salvatore Prisco and his wife, Diane Prisco; Joseph Prisco; Maria Prisco and her beloved, Greg; his beloved late sister, Lucia Prisco; and Assuntina Prisco and her husband, David Salcfas.

He was the cherished uncle of Anthony Prisco, John Prisco, Saverio Salcfas, Antonio Salcfas, Jovanni Salcfas, Sofia Salcfas, and Janiya Prisco. He was also a proud great-uncle to five great-nieces and great-nephews through John Prisco and Anthony Prisco.

Ralph will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, work ethic, humor, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. He will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Ralph at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Saturday June 6 from 9 - 11 AM.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Church in Springfield at 11:30 AM. Entombment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by using the below link.