Frederick R. Ralph

Frederick Richard Ralph, aged 84, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, in his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California. Fred, affectionally known as Dick during his youth, was born on March 18, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Frederick John Ralph and Stella Ann Ralph (nee Knadle), who were natives of South Dakota. Fred spent large portions of his childhood in Henry, South Dakota and maintained a strong attachment to that place throughout his life. As the eldest of six siblings, he played a significant role in their lives, shaping their shared experiences and values.

Fred graduated third in his class from De La Salle High School in Chicago in 1957. He attended University of Notre Dame, (B.S. Electrical Engineering ’61, M.S. Electrical Engineering ’63) where he developed a lifelong passion for Notre Dame football.

After graduation, Fred entered the Army, where he was stationed in Germany and attained the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1965, after his honorable discharge from the Army, Fred joined Hughes Aircraft Company in Los Angeles, California and commenced a 40-year career in aerospace. Fred’s trusty Alfa Romeo Duetto spider was a (mostly) faithful companion throughout his tenure at Hughes. Fred retired briefly in 1995 but then returned to do contract work for Boeing and other companies for another 10 years that he described as a very fulfilling coda to his career.

Fred met Lucy Klaner on a blind date in October 1968, and their love story culminated in marriage on May 10, 1969. Lucy’s unconventional thinking and decisiveness complemented Fred’s logical nature and his tendency to weigh every possible factor before acting. Together, they welcomed two sons into the world, Frederick Matthew Ralph, and Jeffrey Willard Ralph, as they made their homes in Santa Monica, Westwood, and, ultimately, Palos Verdes Estates in 1979.

Fred was proud of his family and loved spending time with them. He was actively involved in his sons' lives, offering support in various roles, from coaching soccer to leading Boy Scouts outings. Vacations in Chicago and family reunions throughout the Midwest were joyful pilgrimages for him.

Fred grew up in the shadow of the Great Depression and was personally frugal throughout his adult life, but generous and big-hearted to others. He had a good sense of humor and did not take himself too seriously. He loved teasing his relatives, and laughed readily at himself when being teased. Fred was not pretentious and enjoyed picnicking with two cans of beer and a slab of cheese between two slices of wheat bread. Fred was gentle and patient, and not prone to anger (except when Lucy was late). He was conscientious and scrupulously fair. His last concern in life was making sure Lucy received the care she needed.

Fred loved watching sports and, in particular, rooting against Notre Dame’s opponents, USC’s football team, UCLA’s basketball team, the Dodgers, the Yankees, and any other successful team that was not Notre Dame. The lone exception was Duke’s basketball team, which, late in life, Fred admitted to a similar place in his heart as Notre Dame. His commentary and wit during games was often more interesting than the matches themselves.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife Lucy, sons Matthew (married to Kristina Carlson) and Jeffrey (partnered with Tae-Wol Stanley), and cherished grandchildren, Nadia, Tucker, and Milo. He is also survived by his five siblings, Mary, Jim, Kathy, Bill, and Jane, along with four nephews and three nieces.

A final resting place for Fred's earthly remains will be at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. A funeral mass is planned for January 26, 2024 at St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Rancho Palos Verdes. The following day, January 27, 2024, family and friends are invited to gather, honor, and remember a man who touched many with his kindness and wisdom. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the charity or organization of your choice in memory of Frederick Richard Ralph.