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NORWALK, Conn. -- Ralph Anthony Tavella Jr., 87, died Sept. 20.
He was born Oct. 8, 1927, in Norwalk, to the late Ralph and Anna Tavella.
He was married for more than 60 years to Lorraine (Soucy) Tavella.
They have two sons, Ralph and Anthony Tavella, as well as two grandchildren, McKenzie and Anthony Tavella.
He played basketball and baseball for the Colonial Athletic Club and soccer for Norwalk High School and St. Ann’s.
In 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Upon returning home, he resumed his local baseball career as an outfielder for South Norwalk Trust, Laurel A.C. and Shoreline Restaurant.
He also played fast-pitch softball with William Gordon Jewelers, as well as Castro Convertible and with Pote Builders.
At the turn of the decade, Tavella made a switch to slow-pitch softball, playing with the Blue Moon Restaurant team in the City League.
He then spent the next 13 seasons playing with Chatham Oaks in both the City League and the Stamford Softball League before retiring in 1976.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Mary’s Church, 669 West Ave.
A burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave.
Calling hours will take place from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at The Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave.
For directions or to leave an online condolence, go to www.magnerfuneralhome.com.
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