Ralph F. Zecchino, 91, of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Crescenzo and Amalia Zecchino, his sister, Agatha (Joseph) Ferlicca and his brother, Carmen (Florine) Zecchino. Ralph is survived by his wife and partner in music of over 63 years, Mary Sandra Sinkler (Sandy), his daughter, Karen (Art) Lembo of Salisbury, MD, and his son Michael (Krista Niles) Zecchino of Rochester, NY, his three grandchildren, Emily (Cheonji) Moon, Arthur Lembo, and Katie Lembo, and great granddaughter, Joy Moon. Ralph is also survived by his brother Anthony (Josephine) Zecchino and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Along with his family, Ralph’s other great love was music. Hundreds of families throughout the Rochester area and beyond were in some way positively affected by Ralph’s extensive career as a music teacher (Madison and Greece Arcadia High Schools) and choral director (Lakeside Presbyterian and St. Charles Borromeo churches). With his wife as his accompanist, Ralph helped found the Greece Choral Society, which he led for 45 years. Everyone who has been blessed to sing under Ralph’s direction has stories to share that reflect his sense of humor, charm, and personal interest in bringing out the best in every person through his gift of music.

As a student athlete, Ralph played baseball and soccer in addition to basketball, for which he received a scholarship to play at Heidelberg University in Ohio. Ralph went on to receive his Bachelor of Music from Heidelberg, and his Master of Music from the American Conservatory in Chicago. While in Chicago, he sang with the Lyric Opera and toured the country with the Theatre Men. He even had opportunities to sing the National Anthem at the Chicago Blackhawks hockey games. In Chicago, he met Sandy and realized they could make beautiful music together. They were married in 1961 and returned to Rochester where they have lived and raised their family.

Ralph enjoyed woodworking right up until his last days, as well as watching sports, playing golf, and attending movies with Sandy and their friends. He was a generous friend and mentor and loved following the paths of his former students, many of whom sang with him for years after their school days had passed, and followed in his footsteps as music teachers. Ralph will be dearly missed by our community, but his spirit will live on in all those with whom he shared his life and passions.

His family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy, Unity and Hildebrandt for their compassionate support. We also want to express our appreciation for the many outpourings of condolences, tributes and fond memories of Ralph in these past few days.

We invite you to join us for visiting hours on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Bartolomeo Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester, NY 14626. A funeral mass will take place at 10 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY 14616. Ralph will be interred in a private ceremony following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Ralph’s honor be made to one of the following organizations: The Greece Performing Arts Society, Catholic Charities, or St. Charles Borromeo Church.