Retired Fire Chief Ralph Tanzi, 89, of Rockland, Massachusetts, passed away on September 4, 2026 after a period of failing health surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Born on February 4, 1937, in Rockland, Massachusetts, Ralph Tanzi lived a life closely connected to the community where many of his years were spent. He also served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958. During his military service, he attended boot camp in Bainbridge, Maryland, and was stationed aboard the USS Sellstrom in Newport, Rhode Island.

A defining part of Ralph’s life was his long and distinguished career with the Rockland Fire Department. He joined the department on December 24, 1961, beginning more than three decades of public service. He was promoted to Lieutenant on September 14, 1966, and then to Deputy Fire Chief on May 24, 1967. On May 1, 1977, he was promoted to Fire Chief, a position that reflected the confidence placed in him over many years of service and advancement within the department. He remained with the Rockland Fire Department until his retirement on March 18, 1994. His years in the fire service formed an important part of his life’s work and stands as a lasting record of his dedication to his profession.

Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife, Diane (Mattoli) Tanzi, to whom he was married for 47 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Sossio and Maria Tanzi; his brothers, Rocco Tanzi, John Tanzi, and Emilio Tanzi; and his sister, Asunta Cassani.

He leaves his children, Ralph Jr. and Mary Jo Tanzi of Rockland, Pamela and David McSherry of Halifax, and Charlene and Angelo Salamone of Rockland. He was Papa to seven grandchildren, Arianna (McSherry) Quinn, Brandon McSherry, Evan McSherry, Elissa (Evans) Donahue, Anthony Tanzi, Andrew Evans, Patrick Tanzi, and Vincent Salamone. He was also Great Grandfather “Papa Ralph” to Stella Donahue and Jameson Quinn.

Beyond his years of service, Ralph found great happiness in time spent with his family. He enjoyed going to Newfound Lake, New Hampshire, with them, and those times together remained an important part of his life. He and Diane also enjoyed country line dancing on Saturday nights and spent many years vacationing together in Sarasota, Florida. Ralph enjoyed boating with Diane and later in life he enjoyed golf and continued to value time with his family above all. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and of all they have accomplished.

Retired Fire Chief Ralph Tanzi will be remembered for his long record of service, his devotion to his family, and the many years he shared with those closest to him. Visitation will be held at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on September 10 located at 135 Union St, Rockland MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on September 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Holy Family Church 403 Union Street, with burial at Holy Family Cemetery in Rockland.

Donations can be made in Ralph's name to the Rockland Veteran's Service.