Ralph F. Desiderio

Ralph F. "Ray" Desiderio, age 85, husband of Marie S. (Liberatori) Desiderio, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, in the Paoli Hospital. Born on April 14, 1938, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Helen (D'Orazio) and Francesco Desiderio. Ray was a graduate of the former St. John Neumann High School in South Philadelphia before earning his Masters Degree from LaSalle College. He served honorably in the United States Army. Ray was Senior Vice President of Community Redevelopment for Continental Bank, later PNC Bank in Philadelphia. Well respected within his field, he was recognized as sincere and a great leader, who made everyone that he came in contact with feel that they were the most important. During his tenure, Ray worked with Project HOME, the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, ACORN and many other non-profits, which earned him a highly respected reputation within the non-profit sector of Philadelphia. He was able to help accomplish a lot of good for the underserved communities through his position in redevelopment. Ray dedicated 25 years of fundraising through a concept he created for a Merit Awards Dinner benefiting children's oncology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which spanned over a 25-year period. Efforts included presenting an award to volunteers, staff members, Philadelphia Eagles players and coaches, who dedicated their time and professional services to children suffering from oncological diseases. In his spare time, Ray enjoyed working around his home, was an avid gardener and was a member of the Knight of Columbus. He was a Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Eagles and the Phillies. Known by Popi, Ray loved spending time with his granddaughters. In addition to his loving wife, Ray is survived by daughters: Lisa D., wife of Patrick J. Walsh and Cathy A., wife of Thomas G. Palmer Jr.; grandchildren: Dr. Rachel E. (Patrick) Reilly, Michelle G. (Brendan) McGowan, Sara Palmer and nephew, Jim (Stacey) Tagliaferri and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by daughter: Gina Marie Desiderio; sister: Betty Ann (Vincent) Masturzo and sister-in-law: Rosann (Alfred) Tagliaferri. A memorial mass for Marie and Ray will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 am, at St. Ann Chapel, 604 S. Main Street, Phoenixville. Officiating will be the Rev. Daniel Arechabala. Friends will be received from 9:30 am - 11:00 in the Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.StJude.org/donate or Main Line Hospice, 240 North Radnor Chester Road, Radnor, PA 19087, Attention: Home Care and Hospice. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Ralph F. Desiderio

April 14, 1938 - March 24, 2024