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 Ralph (Ray) Nofi of Mattituck passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026 after a long illness. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 21, 1943 in Port Washington, New York, the son of Janet and Ralph A. Nofi and brother to Richard and Robert.
He was an exceptional student who excelled throughout his academic career. When he graduated from the University of Notre Dame in June 1964 with a degree in Finance and Business Economics, he was recognized as the top student in the School of Business Administration. He went on to obtain his Masters in International Marketing at New York University in June 1966. Once again, his academics were recognized by virtue of NYU offering him a Fellowship.
He chose to decline the Fellowship and, instead, started his career with Gulf Oil in Philadelphia. His employment ended with his induction into the U.S. Army on January 3, 1968. With the Vietnam War raging, he was sent overseas and served at Cam Ranh Bay from January to December 1969. He returned to the States on December 22, 1969 with the rank of SP5 and was Honorably Discharged on January 2, 1970.
Shortly thereafter, he started his career with Allied Stores Corporation and served in several positions. In January, 1984, he was appointed President of Allied Stores Marketing Corporation where he supervised the Company's New York and Los Angeles offices in their Marketing and Merchandising functions. He also served as President of Allied Stores International overseeing the Corporation's Global Merchandising Strategy and Network.
Following his time at Allied, he joined the faculty of St. Joseph University in Patchogue where he taught Business Administration and Marketing for nearly two decades. As a committed member of the University faculty, he served on several committees, established the University's first Center for Study Abroad in 2000, and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Honors Program. His dedication to the University was recognized by the Student Government Association who presented him with the Above and Beyond Award in 2003. Near the end of his tenure with St. Joseph's, they recognized his contributions by designating him Professor Emeritus of Business Administration and Marketing.
Over his many years of living in the Mattituck Community that he loved so much, he was deeply involved and revered for his commitment to the Southold Historical Museum. The Museum Gift Shop tested his sales skills, and he loved telling people how successful a day they had. He was especially proud of the Horton Point Lighthouse, and relished researching and educating himself on its history. He loved being part of the wonderful staff who volunteered their time and energy to make a visitor's time there an enjoyable and educational experience.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 7th from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 8th at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Ostrabrama R.C. Church in Cutchogue.
Entombment with U.S. Army Honors will follow at Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the Nofi family would like to request that you make a contribution to Horton Point Lighthouse Nautical Museum by going to https://www.southoldhistorical.org/inmemoryofraynofi
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