Ralph Joseph Attanasio, D.D.S., 82, died Thursday, March 9, at CMCPineville. He was born February 8, 1935, and grew up in Newark. He attended Barringer High School in Newark and New York University. He received his D.D.S. degree from Seton Hall University. He was a captain in the Air Force, serving as a dentist in Thule, Greenland and Sacramento, California. After serving in the military, Dr. Attanasio then lived in Livingston and also had a summer home in Ortley Beach. Dr. Attanasio maintained a dental practice with offices in Newark and Nutley. He was a past president of the Essex County Dental Association, the State of New Jersey Dental Association, and the Fauchard Dental Association. He was a faculty member of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and was a member of the American College of Dentists. Dr. Attanasio was also an avid supporter of the Special Olympics. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Corinne Attanasio, and his two daughters, Crista Yohrling and her husband, Stephen, and Carla Attanasio and her husband, Marc Patsiner; his sister, Joanne Gioella; his sister-in-law, Joanne Saley and her husband, Gerry; and one grandchild. A visitation was held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Charlotte, North Carolina, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Special Olympics. An online guest book is available at www.heritagecares.com.
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