Ralph Joseph Ciotti Sr. died peacefully Aug. 18, 2021, after a battle with emphysema, surrounded by his family and cats at home.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marianne Theresa (Del Grosso) Ciotti, whom he adored.

They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Born March 10, 1948, in Astoria, N.Y., he was the son of the late Giacomino and Bianca Rosa (Maglio) Ciotti.

A pharmacist for more than 40 years, he owned a Medicine Shoppe apothecary.

He enjoyed his interactions with his customers who often shared jokes and stories with him.

He had many hobbies over the years, including Lionel trains, photography, music, horror and sci-fi films, and his Burmese cats.

He played guitar in a band called “The Jagged Edge” while attending college at St. John’s University and wrote a song for his wife for their wedding. He enjoyed being retired and was happy to spend more time with his family.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a daughter Samantha Ciotti Falcone, her husband, Gregg, and their children, Adam and Alexandra; and son Ralph Joseph Ciotti Jr., and his wife Tracy (Pushko) Ciotti, and their children Charlotte and RJ.

He was predeceased by a sister, Claudette DeLong.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and/or to The American Lung Association c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.