April 17, 2018

Ralph Paparella ’40 saluted at Friars’ game

Ralph A. Paparella '40 acknowledges the audience's applause at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
Ralph A. Paparella ’40 acknowledges the audience’s applause at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Ralph A. Paparella ’40 of Riverside, R.I., waves his cap to the sellout crowd at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center as he is honored for his military service during the PC-DePaul men’s basketball game on Alumni & Family Weekend in February.

Paparella, who played three seasons for PC and is believed to be the oldest living basketball Friar, worked in air transport command during World War II. An aircraft identification instructor, he taught pilots how to identify friendly and enemy planes. After the war, he remained active in veterans affairs, including the VFW and the Italian American War Veterans of the United States. Paparella taught physical education in the East Providence school system.

He was joined at the game by several family members, including his wife, Eleanor. He turns 100 years old in June.