Ralph J. Demasi, 77, died peacefully at home on July 4. He was born in Mechanicsville, N.Y., the son of Ralph and Mary (Melone) Gagliardi. His father died several months before Ralph was born. Mary later married Louis Demasi, who adopted Ralph.
Ralph grew up in Milford, Conn. He received a BA from the University of New Haven in 1972. And soon after, he moved to the Upper Valley to help open and operate Casey’s Tavern (now Skunk Hollow) in Hartland.
Ralph later combined his love and knowledge of automobiles with his business acumen and opened Atlantic Motor Cars in Plainfield, N.H. Over the more than four decades he built many long-term relationships as he helped match people with the cars best suited to them. He enjoyed getting to know people, hearing their stories, and helping to make their investment match their unique situation and needs. Ralph openly and honestly shared his knowledge with anyone who asked for advice. He was a longtime member of the Green Mountain Region Porsche Club and enjoyed the club drives traveling his favorite back roads of Vermont.
He was ever the gentleman, exhibiting grace and kindness. Ralph is survived by his partner of 25 years, Wendy Starr of Cornish; two sons, John Demasi and his partner Liz Skeris of Windsor and Thomas Demasi of Windsor; Wendy’s sons, Charles Starr and John Starr; other relatives and many friends.
A graveside service was held at the Westgate-Peterson Cemetery in Plainfield.
Memorial donations are appreciated to Cornish Rescue Squad, PO Box 235, Cornish Flats, NH 03746. The Hand to Heart Project PO Box 248 Cornish Flat, NH 03746.
Knight Funeral Home of Windsor, Vt. was entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be made at knightfuneralhomes.com.
