Ralph Francis Palladino, of Williamstown, NJ, passed away on Saturday, August 13 ^th , 2022, after a long battle with cancer.  He was 84.

Ralph was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 26 ^th , 1938. As a young boy, Ralph worked at Valley Green as a pony wrangler.  After high school, Ralph joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country on the flight deck crew as a hook runner on the USS Ranger CVA 61.

After an honorable discharge, Ralph (Dino) began exploring his talents as a musician, composer and songwriter.  He collaborated with many talented artists throughout his musical career, including John Sembello, (2/22/45-5/1/13), with whom he wrote and recorded an album, Dino and Sembello.  Together, they penned a movie score and many successful songs, which were performed internationally by famous recording artists.  Their songs were featured in the revue of Leiber and Stoller's songs in the hit Broadway musical, Smokey Joes Café, which won a Grammy Award in 1997.

Ralph also wrote and composed music with very dear friend and music partner, pianist/composer, Larry DiTommaso.  Together, they penned countless songs for many recording artists, including Teddy Pendergrass,  Peabo Bryson, and Jermaine Jackson, for which they were awarded a Gold Record in 1985, for the hit song, Do What You Do.

In 1985, Ralph was involved in a horrific car accident, which left him nearly dead.  After months of rehabilitation he was commissioned by his doctors to write a song as part of his cognitive therapy.  This journey led him to work with board-certified music therapist, counselor and author, Dr. Lorna Glassman.  Together, with their friend, Barri, they designed a rehabilitation program using music as a modality to rehabilitate individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Ralph became very involved with his church, The Waters, in Gloucester County, where he was ordained as a Hospital Pastor.  He visited countless patients in hospitals often praying and singing with them.  He also wrote many Contemporary Praise and Worship songs with his son-in-law, Lewis Rusko.  Together, they have collaborated on several worship albums.

He is lovingly referred to as a man with a heart of gold who would do anything for anyone.  If you were within an earshot of Ralph, there was a pretty good chance you would hear him singing, whistling and drumming on any table surface.  He loved traveling to Florida with his wife, Maryanne. Together, they enjoyed traveling on their boat to many restaurants along the Chesapeake Bay. He enjoyed fishing and making jewelry. He liked to tinker - always busy around the house with a project. He enjoyed stargazing and metal detecting, always on a quest for treasure. He collected American Indian jewelry.  He also collected tools- perhaps he got that from his dad who was a mechanical woodshop teacher in the Philadelphia public school system.  He loved gardening and singing at his piano for hours.

Perhaps Ralph's most beloved accomplishment will always be his family, which was his greatest masterpiece.  Beloved husband of Maryanne Palladino (nee Cimino). Father of Dawn Maria Rusko (Lewis) and Ralph Palladino (Jenn).  Poppop of Jordan, (Kara), Lewis, Layla and Ava Rose.  Great-grandfather to his dear great-grandchildren. Dear brother to the late Julia Hill and beloved uncle to Edward Hill (Margaret).

Services are being held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society by visiting www.Cancer.org