Obituary
Prisco Edward Ravelli, 86 of Las Vegas, Nevada departed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on January 3, 2023. Ed also known as Sonny for his affectionate smile was born September 15, 1936. He resided in Hammonton, N.J. most of his adult life. Immediately upon graduating Hammonton High School, Ed enlisted in the Naval Reserves Construction Battalion (Seabees) 4-12 USN & MCRTC (US Navy & Marine Corps Reserve Training Center) June 1, 1954 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He served eight years in Camden, N.J. and was honorably discharged May 30, 1962. He owned Ravelli Painting and Decorating and over the next 25 years successfully completed hundreds of projects throughout South Jersey for the commercial, utility and casino industry. He was a union Trustee for Painters Local 277 ensuring good union wages and benefits to all its members. Ed was also a life member of the Kiwanis Club and President 1978-1979.
An explorer at heart, Ed and wife Madeline headed West in 1991 where he started his second career at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He applied his fine painting and decorating artistry throughout the high-end property until retiring at the young age of 72. Ed and Madeline were married for 60 years. They enjoyed a lifetime of travel throughout this great country. Early east coast family camping trips with the StarCraft Club, transitioned into cruises, southwest road trips and many, many visits to the casinos. Ed was a purveyor of eclectic collections. He cataloged thousands of beer cans, post cards and casino slot cards, bar napkins, matchbooks and hotel keys. At first glance, simple immaterial objects, yet each represented a small token or symbol of his rich fulfilling journey through life. At the end, Ed (Sonny) was satisfied, smiling and at peace. He will be missed.
He is pre-deceased by his parents, Helen Frances (Kwasnieski) Ravelli, Prisco Anthony Ravelli Jr.; and sister, Deanna “Dolly” (Ravelli) Farquhar. He is survived by his wife, Madeline (Schaeffer) Ravelli; his daughter, Deborah (Ravelli) Hinds; his son, Prisco Eric Ravelli; daughter-in-law, Toni (LaMazza) Ravelli; his grandchildren, Gabrielle Ravelli, Tyler Ravelli, TJ Hinds and Jennifer Hinds; his sister, Susan (Ravelli) Esposito; as well as nieces and nephews.
Private family entombment was scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to www.kiwanis.org/childrens-fund