Ralph J. Migliaccio

Ralph J. Migliaccio, age 79, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in the comfort of his home, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Utica on August 27, 1946, Ralph was the son of the late Anthony and Clara Colaiccio Migliaccio. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from UFA.

When Ralph was just 12 years old, he met Rosanne Nuccio at Kemble School and it was love at first sight. On November 12, 1966, he married his childhood sweetheart at St. Francis de Sales Church and the two shared a loving and devoted union for nearly 60 years.

Ralph was most known by his friends and family for being a talented musician with a tremendous voice. He was a self-taught drummer and singer. At the young age of 14 years old, Ralph and his brother started a band called ‘Ralph and the Royals.’ Their music could be heard at high school dances and local venues, until they gained experience that led them to bigger and better things. The band ‘Celebration’ was then formed with new members added to spark an even larger following. Celebration toured throughout New York and Boston and allowed Ralph’s personality and showmanship to flourish. Besides music, Ralph was also a family man. He left the stage to focus on his family which led him to work for over 25 years at the Mohawk Valley Water Authority until his retirement. Because music was a lifelong passion, Ralph moonlighted while working at the Water Authority and formed another band called ITMB (Incredible Two Man Band.) He loved every opportunity this band offered to showcase his personality by way of singing, playing drums, doing impersonations and being a true entertainer. His falsetto voice was often heard at family gatherings, spending time near the pool or simply while mowing the lawn, which was also something Ralph took pride in.

A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, also known as Poppie, Ralph’s family will forever cherish his memory and hold them close in their hearts. Poppies’ quick visits to drop off sweets or homemade pizza fritta will be greatly missed.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife Rosanne, their two children and five grandchildren; daughter and son-in-law Rochelle and Michael Lynch of New Hartford (grandchildren McKenna, Rhianna, and Madison Lynch); son and daughter-in-law Ralph M. and Donna Migliaccio of New Hartford (grandchildren Ella and Nico Migliaccio); three sisters Antoinette Tantillo, Theresa Zegarelli and Judy Seakan; his brother and sister-in-law Fran and Sandi Migliaccio; his brothers and sisters in-law Joseph and Joanne Nuccio and Annette and Miguel Rivera, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his brother Tom Migliaccio and his in-laws, Salvatore and Antoinette Nuccio, Sam Tantillo, Remo Zegarelli and Mike Seakan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The family will greet all visitors at the conclusion of mass in church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ralph may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital PO Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101-0050

Funeral arrangements are with the Scala, Roefaro, & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica.