A True Loss – Ralph Sirianni was one of Winthrop’s best

The end of an era was marked this past week with the passing of Ralph Sirianni, who for more than five decades served this community in many capacities.

The Winthrop Town Council paid tribute to Ralph with a moment of silence at its meeting Tuesday. Mr. Sirianni served this town and served it well during a distinguished career in which he held the position of Board of Health Agent, State Representative from 1965-74, Chairman of the Winthrop Board of Health, and President of the Friends of the Winthrop Senior Center.

Mr. Sirianni was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran who was a Prisoner of War of the Germans in WWII. He also served for a time as a Winthrop Police Officer. He was a true gentleman and a statesman who earned the respect of all residents in the Winthrop community.

But beyond the many official capacities in which he served, Ralph was an invaluable member of our community who truly cared about Winthrop and its residents. In his later years, he volunteered his time and did not seek recognition for the many small things he did on behalf of others.

Ralph was a no-nonsense, common-sense individual who stood up for what he thought was right, whether it was taking on a governor or Massport, in defense of Winthrop’s best interests. He exemplified the sort of lifetime dedication by public servants on behalf of one’s community that has all but disappeared today.

We know we join with thousands of our fellow residents in offering our condolences to his family and acknowledging that his presence truly will be missed.