Ralph L. Grotto, 93, passed away on Oct. 7 at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on August 2, 1921 in, Manhattan, the son of the late James Grotto and Caroline Morrow.
Ralph was raised on Mott St on the East side of Manhattan. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard prior to WWII.
By trade, Ralph was an accomplished jewelry mechanic and designer. He worked on 47th St. in the diamond district for 25 years. Ralph married his wife, Helen, in 1943. They lived in Lindenhurst Long Island and had four children.
In the 1960s, Ralph’s love of horses brought him to upstate New York. A longtime trainer at Saratoga Raceway, he worked with some great horses over his career. In his later years, Ralph stayed active at the track and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his sons, Ralph Grotto Jr. and James Grotto (Elena); daughters, Bernadette Cooper (Asa) and Caroline Mazucci; grandchildren, James Grotto Jr., Alexis, Amanda, Asa III (Alexis), Ralph III, Joseph, Dominick and Sarah, Joanna; and two great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Hurley, parents, one brother and two sisters.
A private family service and interment will be held at St. Peters Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
If you wish to express your online condolences or view the Obituary, please visit our website at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
