Ralph A. Vincitore's Obituary
Ralph A. Vincitore, 75, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital in Syracuse, NY after a battle with cancer. His wife and daughter were at his side. He was born to Ralph J. and Phyllis Vincitore on March 28, 1950, in Syracuse. Ralph graduated from Liverpool High School in 1968. He married Shelley Novak of Onondaga Hill on August 9, 1969, in Fairmount, NY. He and Shelley raised two daughters and lived most of their married life in Liverpool, NY.
Ralph was predeceased by his daughter, Sara Grace Vincitore; parents, Ralph J. and Phyllis Vincitore; his brother, Gary Vincitore, and his sister-in-law, Jill Vincitore, all of Liverpool.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shelley Vincitore of Baldwinsville, NY; daughter, Lisa Vincitore of Baldwinsville; granddaughter, Brianna Rose Ballard; sisters, Debra Vincitore of Liverpool, Shelly (Paul) O'Herin of Warnerville, NY; brother, Anthony Vincitore (Dawn Richey) of Syracuse; sister-in-law, Judith (Charles) Long of Houston, TX; several nieces, nephews, cousins, many treasured friends, and an abundance of loyal customers.
Early in his career, Ralph worked in the shoe department at Wells & Coverly in Syracuse and found the perfect pairing with Shelley who worked in the sock department. He went on to work at Bostonian Shoes in Lansing, MI, Aurora, IL, and Syracuse, as well as Backus Ford in East Syracuse. While tending bar for Sam Santangelo at Lakeview Bowling Center in Liverpool, Ralph found his true calling. This led to a thirty-one-year career bartending at Santangelo’s Restaurant in Liverpool before retiring in 2019. Throughout his decades of service, his exceptional and heartfelt people skills were the foundation of his success.
Ralph gave generously of himself, from helping others to actively supporting charitable causes such as Santangelo’s Annual Golf Tournament to fund scholarships for students at Liverpool and Cicero-North Syracuse High Schools. He was an avid sports enthusiast and lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and Syracuse University Athletics. His enthusiasm kept the party rolling for Santangelo’s bus trips to iconic games in the Northeast. His secret blend of spiked cherries was legendary. Ralph enjoyed golfing and played in the Old Geezer League after retiring to Clayton, NY. He enjoyed all kinds of music; in the early days, he played drums for the Liverpool band “The Herd.” Ralph was also a charter member of the Museum of the American Cocktail.
Ralph cherished decades of seasonal visits with family and friends at camp on Wellesley Island. He also savored traveling with Shelley and friends. They celebrated their 25th and 50th anniversaries in Hawaii, cruised the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Bermuda, Alaska, and the Mississippi River. Their journeys also included trips to China, Italy, St Thomas, Key West, and New Orleans, plus railroad getaways to Montreal, the Adirondacks, Boston, and within Alaska.
Most of all, Ralph was kind. He thrived on bringing joy and laughter to others. He cared in a way that made each person feel important. He made a difference in the world around him. His words echo in the hearts of all who knew him: “Love you man.”
Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd, (corner of Buckley Rd.) Syracuse, NY. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Ralph’s nieces and nephews. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery where Ralph will be laid to rest beside his daughter, Sara.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider a donation In lieu of flowers to ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org
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