Ralph Joseph Bottone
Ralph Joseph Bottone, 71, a devoted father, grandfather, and an outstanding member of the community of Limestone, passed away Sunday October 23, 2022, from a long courageous battle with cancer.
Ralph was born on November 7, 1950. He was the son of the late Francis and Annabelle Giardini Bottone.
He graduated from Limestone Union Free School in 1968. Upon graduation he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Nellis Air Force Base where he worked on F-11 fighter jets during the Vietnam War.
After the service Ralph returned to Limestone where he was a mechanic for UPS along with his father, Fran, he opened his own garage called,” Bottone’s Service Center.”
On March 12, 1977, he married the late Patricia Rau Bottone. For 30 years he cared for his wife in her battle against Multiple Sclerosis. Together they had two children, Tara, and Dusty Bottone, both of Limestone.
Throughout the years Ralph was an active member of the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department where he was Fire Chief in 1991 and 1992. In 2017 he received the Outstanding Service Award for over 50 years of service to the fire department. He also served on the Limestone School Board. Other community services he was involved with were Mayor of Limestone, Town Supervisor, and was a current Town Board member. He was the master of ceremonies for Limestone Alumni for many years. Being a Veteran was important to him, so he spoke at many Memorial Day celebrations. One contribution he led was the building of the Veteran’s Memorial that is located in Limestone. Ralph had his hand in many benefits for people throughout the community.
Ralph had a love for sports and music. He was a competitive, passionate coach for many years. During the 70s and 80s he coached midget and high school football. He was not only a coach but offered support to many young athletes. From 1991 to 1995 he coached varsity basketball. Music was another passion of his. In the 70s he played the drums for a band called, “The Shades of Satin.”
In 2000 Ralph opened his own Italian restaurant with his mother, Annie. He did all his own cooking and was well known for his pasta, chicken, and eggplant Parmesan. He also donated his time and pasta to many sports banquets throughout the years. He also built a storage unit called StarDust Storage. His last employment was at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino where he worked security for all concerts.
The true joy in his life was his grandchildren. The love for his family was unmeasurable. Surviving are his grandchildren, Michael, Serena, and Sarea. two sisters Bonnie Sory {John} and Marianne Baxter. Ralph’s proudest moments were watching his QB1 Michael play football and basketball and watching his Floor champ Serena compete in gymnastics and volleyball. Ralph taught his grandkids many things and had a role in who they are today. Cooking food for his family on Sundays for the Bills games was the highlight of his life. He was the best grandfather and his influence in their lives and others touched the town of Limestone in so many ways.
Another hobby for Ralph was building things. He built his own storage, restaurant and even after the cancer diagnosis and surviving the Whipple procedure he designed and built his own house. His proudest accomplishment was a treehouse he built for his grandkids.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life for Ralph on November 12, 2022, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, at the Limestone Community Center. At Ralph’s request his body was donated to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in hopes of helping the fight against cancer.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department or the Allegany-Limestone Sports Boosters specifically to the football and volleyball programs.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
All Condolences -
I''m sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. My husband and I were faithful customers at his restaurant every Friday. And hearing "Hey kids." made us feel like family.My heart broke when he closed down. Reading about his passing broke my heart even more! We don''t live in the area any more however I would like to give you my condolences and you are in my thoughts.
— Shara Schlopy
Tara, Dusty & family, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I have many memories with him. He will be missed.
— John Oleksa
Tara, Dusty and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved father. What a beautiful tribute to him in your loving words expressed here. He was a great friend to my dad and our family. Dad and I enjoyed his visits at the BEH over the past year. Ralph was a giving soul in life and beyond. Take comfort in your memories and knowing he is at peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you struggle through the difficult days ahead. Sincerely, Toni, Tony and family
— Toni Magnetti
We grew up together. We played football and basketball at each others house. We cruised and double dated in his little blue Rambler, his prized possession in high school. Whenever I returned to that area we somehow saw each other and talked about the "good old times ". He was a very close and dear friend. You have my deepest sympathy.
— Mike Barrile
To Bonnie and the entire Bottone family —- so sorry for the loss of your brother, Ralph. Now he is totally rid of the cancer. RIP Ralph
— Lyle “Bud” Higley
SO sad to hear of Ralph''s passing! Rest easy Ralph.
— JOSEPH A. BOTTONE, JR.
To Ralph''s girls & Family
We were so sorry to read of Ralph''s passing.
Have many fond memories of Ralph and his Mom, cooking our favorite pasta dishes and eggplant parmesan. Loved spending time with him.
You have our prayers during this difficult time.
— Grant/CarolOrris
My sincerest condolences to all you during this difficult time, Ralph was an amazing piller to the Limestone community.
— Chastity Standish
Our condolences to the family. A Great man who
will live in my heart forever. His kindness will
never be forgotten. RIPOSARE IN PACE, my friend.
— Dave and Pat Durolek
We are so sorry for your loss. Ralph was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
— The Farrell Family
My heart breaks for Dusty and Tara and this family. Ralph was an amazing man. Ready to help anyone in a pinch. As neighbors I can tell you he was definitely a fighter. He will be missed. Fly high Ralph. ????
— Pearl Harris
So sorry to hear about Ralph''s passing. May he R.I.P. May his family find loving comfort in the memories they shared.
— Glenna Zink
Your father was like a brother to me! I was fortunate to have him a near and dear friend! To family! So sorry for yahs loss! This one goes deep for many! Afa Love Todd!
— Todd Spittler
Very sorry for loss, Ralph was a real good guy.
— Jeff rau
I am so sorry for your loss. Ralph was a good, sweet man. Thoughts and prayers to Tara,Dusty and the kids!
— Christina Dixon
Sorry for your loss prayers for all RIP Ralph
— Rhonda Munday
Our condolences to the Bottone family. Ralph was a good man and helped our community grow. Walk with angels. You will not be forgotten. Max and Phyllis Colley.
— Phyllis Colley
So very sorry for your loss. Hugs, thoughts, and prayers to you all.
— Barb Fox
My deepest condolences, your dad definitely has made impacts on all of us through the years. God bless him and may he rest easy now.
— Greg Lewis
Tara, Dusty, & family,
So saddened by the passing of your dad. I only met him on a few occasions but could tell what a wonderful man he was. He had a great personality and was fun to be around. He loved his family & community. Glad he was able to see Michael play football & Serena in her gymnastics. Thoughts, prayers, love, & hugs.??????
— Suzanne Monroe
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He was a great guy. May he RIP.
— Becky Mintz
So very sorry for your families loss, prayers.
— Janet Bottone
My thoughts and prayer to Tara and Dusty and your families,was a good man!!
— Christine Rau
So sorry to here about your dad''s passing. The world has loss a real hero, but you have gained a guardian angel.
— Linda Thiel