PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mr. Ralph Louis Mariani, Jr., 85, of Pittsfield, formerly of North Adams, died Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Hillcrest Commons. He was born in North Adams on March 5, 1938, a son of the late Ralph L. and Catherine E. (Cook) Mariani. He attended North Adams schools, graduating from Drury High School. He then earned a degree in electrical engineering. He lived in The Villages, Florida for several years before returning to Pittsfield.

Ralph worked as a signal man for Boston & Maine Railroad for 33 years until retiring. Earlier, he had worked for the former Sprague Electric Co. in North Adams. He had also served with the 104th Infantry of the Massachusetts National Guard in its Tank Company for 5 years.

An accomplished musician, Ralph specialized in playing bass guitar and the trumpet, and had played with many local bands, including Five Easy Pieces, The Shades, Inc. and The Diplomats.

He had been a member of the former St. Anthony of Padua Church, North Adams, and later was a member of the Freedom Community Church in Florida.

He is survived by his son, Bruce Mariani and his wife, Petraca, of Bennington, VT., two daughters, Tina DiSanti and Linda Mariani and her spouse Melinda, both of Adams; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Ronald Mariani, his wives Carol (Fiske) Mariani and Janice (Lanoue) Mariani, and his son-in-law Robert DiSanti.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 11th at 12 Noon in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Calling hours are Tuesday from 11 AM until the service in the funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Rd. Pittsfield, MA 01201. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com