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Ralph Del Colle Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Del Colle
John O'Shaughnessy
August 30, 2012
Ralph was my oldest friend. We met in September 1968 while attending Xavier High School and went on to become friends and team mates on the Track and Cross Country squads. Though as seemingly different in temperament, interests and appearance as two boys could be, our friendship was based on deeper, stronger bonds. We kept in touch over the years and I always felt fortunate that he was interested in doing so. I am so sad at learning this news and feeling a small portion of the loss that Lee, Josh, Zoe and Flavia must feel. The world is a better place for having had Ralph Del Colle in it and I thank God for having putting him in my path.
James Kieselburg
August 16, 2012
Quite saddened by Ralph's passing. I will remember him as a kind, mild-mannered, gentleman with a marvelous intellect. He will surely be missed by many. Warm thoughts to Lee, Josh and Zoe.
August 12, 2012
Ralph and I were friends many, many years ago, even before he entered Union Theological Seminary. As often happens, we lost touch as the years went by. I have often thought of him over the years and only found out today of his passing. I was shocked and I grieve. I have spent the day remembering him. He was loved by the people he touched and he was brilliant. He will be missed by many. R.I.P. Ralph. Although we were friends for a brief time in life, you were a signficant part of my spiritual journey. Good bye old friend. -Kathy Silver, New York
Sandra Keating
August 4, 2012
Although I had only spoken with Ralph a few times, most recently in Washington at the end of May, I feel a great loss at his passing. I had heard from so many people of the great respect they had for his scholarship, learning and holiness, and I found the same in getting to know him so briefly.
Please know that we are keeping all of his family in our prayers.
David Roebuck
August 2, 2012
Ralph was a great friend and blessing in the Scociety for Pentecostal Studies. He was the embodiment of Jesus' prayer that we all may be one!
Susan Phillips
August 2, 2012
To my longtime and dear friend Lee, and to Josh and Zoe:
The depth of sorrow is overwhelming now, but even death can't break the bonds of love. During the last few weeks you had something precious: you had time to express your love to Ralph and to share goodbyes. He always will be with you – in spring snowdrops, the whisper of a fall breeze, a V of migrating geese, and in the smiles of your children and grandchildren. He will come to you in your dreams to guide and comfort you. He lives on in – and through – you. He touched the lives of many people, and all of us are richer in spirit for his being in this world.
With deep sympathy and much love ...
Glen Menzies
August 2, 2012
I had the privilege of being associated with Ralph through both the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue and the Society for Pentecostal Studies. In our many discussions Ralph always exemplified the highest standards of rigorous thought and Christian charity, even though I often exasperated him. He was a model dialogue partner, and our future discussions will be diminished by his absence. One comfort is that he will be in that "great cloud of witnesses" who look down on what we do and root for us as we move forward.
Barbara Haig
August 2, 2012
Remembering all of Ralph's contributions to St. Sebastian Parish. You are all in our prayers.
Kathy Pannozzi
August 2, 2012
Lee- You and Josh & Zoe are in my heart. Few words can bring real comfort, but my prayers are for your peace.
Regina Shaw
August 1, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Due to a prior commitment, I am not able to attend the services. May you be comforted by friends, family and God's love.
David Stokes
August 1, 2012
We are saddened by the passing of Ralph. We hope for strength and peace for Mary and Josh and Zoe.
Ann Riggs
July 31, 2012
A great colleague and ecumenical contributor. May the Holy Spirit's gifts and comfort be with you, Ralph's family and friends.
Maria Odnoha
July 31, 2012
God places people in our lives for many reasons. You do not need the same blood line to be family. This is the relationship we have had with Ralph,and Flavia. Our fondest memories are of our families together. We have shared our faith in God, along with great food and wonderful times. You are greatly missed dear “cousin”. Our love to Lee, Josh, Zoe and Flavia.
Ralph, pray for us. Love Maria, Andy, Luisa Zack, Nick and Drew.
James Henderson
July 31, 2012
My prayers are with you all. Ralph was such a deep and kindly person. He always had time for my questions and always gave his best in his answers. He was a great role model.
Paul King
July 31, 2012
I appreciated Ralph's irenic spirit and thoughtful dialogue and his deep and great contributions spiritually and academically at SPS.
Lois Olena
July 31, 2012
To Ralph's family and friends: On behalf of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, please know what we are praying for God's rich comfort for you all in this unspeakable loss. Ralph was such a blessing to SPS for so many years. May God continue to bless the work of his hands and make his life's example of gracious interaction an example for us all. Love and prayers, Dr. Lois Olena, Executive Director, Society for Pentecostal Studies
Carmelo Alvarez
July 31, 2012
Ralph, we'll always remember you humility, wisdom and deep spirituality.Paz y bien. Shalom, dear brother. Carmelo Alvarez
Peter Hocken
July 31, 2012
It has been a privilege to have known Ralph for many years since his first attending SPS. He combined a sharp mind, extensive knowledge, with a deep faith and prayer-life. I am confident that he has been as well prepared to go to the Lord as any other among us. May He enjoy the rest of the just and may his family be deeply consoled.
Jason Nicholls
July 31, 2012
I have the privilege of working as Ralph's Teaching Assistant for three years at Marquette. It was truly a honor to know him, to work under him, and to call him a friend.
Peter Althouse
July 31, 2012
I will miss Ralph's spirit and keen mind at our annual meetings. He was one to sharpen our conversations. I'm sad that he is no longer with us on this earth, but heartened that he awaits us in glory.
David Cole
July 31, 2012
Lee, Josh and Zoe,
One of the things Ralph and I did together when we saw each other--at Catholic/Pentecostal, Catholic/Evangelical, SPS or other gatherings--was to ask about each other's families. I have been honored to pray for the three of you over the years, with appreciation from Ralph, even as he expressed concern for my family. Our dear friend and your loved one will be sorely missed, but please know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, just as Ralph requested in my last communication with him. May the Lord's grace and peace be very real to you in this new and challenging season of your lives.
Bob Schram
July 31, 2012
Too often theologians become so absorbed in scholarship that they neglect religion. They get so puffed up with their intellectual talents that they forget where these talents came from. Not so with Dr. Del Colle; a man of deep faith. He began each class with a prayer, advocated Christian unity through his ecumenical service, and was an active member of his parish (even serving on its parish council for a time). My knowledge and, more importantly, faith are richer because I was his student.
Dr Tony Richie
July 31, 2012
Our friend and brother, Dr Ralph Del Colle, has been a very important presence in the Society for Pentecostal Studies for many years, including serving as SPS president. He has also helped me immensely during my time as Interest Group Leader for Ecumenical Studies. Ralph was always willing to serve and he always did first-rate work with a good Christian spirit. He will be sorely missed.
Remington Tonar
July 31, 2012
Before I met Dr. Del Colle, I would often see him deep in prayer long before Mass. His commitment to the faith and to prayer moved me then, as it did later when I met him while studying theology at Marquette - where he began every class with a prayer. Some called that controversial, but I called it inspirational, and I pray that my faith may someday be as strong as Ralph's.
July 31, 2012
Dear Lee, Josh and Zoe,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
We are saddened yet, are comforted with the knowledge that Ralph is in God's hands.
tears, hugs, peace
Patty Katie and Eamonn Higgins
James B. & Sally Jo Shelton
July 31, 2012
Dear Brother Ralph,
We miss you sorely already. We are so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing you and your passion for the Lord and for the truth of the Gospel. We are praying that your family will be comforted in having had the privilege of having your love and in their faith in our Lord that they shared with you and in their love for one another. We pray that your ecumenical and theological work will continue to bear fruit for the Kingdom and for the Church now and forever, and we trust that one day we will sit together at Jesus' feet. We will always consider you our dear brother in the Lord.
Jim & Sally Shelton
July 31, 2012
What a great man and teacher! May God rest your soul.
Matthew Levering
July 31, 2012
Ralph, your passing has greatly weakened Catholic theology and it is a cause for great sadness. You bore marvelous witness to what you now experience. Although I cannot imagine what entering into the Trinitarian life is like, I saw (from afar) in your last days the power of God drawing you spiritually ever closer to himself, and that was beautiful. I am praying for you, Ralph, as you make your journey.
Matthew Lamb
July 31, 2012
Now Ralph knows what we still hold in faith. Having passed through the portals of death, he has encountered the Risen Christ, our redeeming judge and savior, who is sent by the Father in the Holy Spirit.
May Ralph join the Communion of Saints to guide and care for his loving wife, family, and many friends, so that we all may join him in the Triune God's beatific ecstasy.
Rev. Matthew L. Lamb
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, FL
Flavia Del Colle
July 31, 2012
Ralph,I know you are in the Kingdom of God with the glory and joy of all the angels.We watched your brave fight and the peace that God gave you. A part of my heart is with you and your love will always remain in me. I will miss you all the days of my life,but I find comfort in knowing that someday I will see your beautiful smile again and my heart will be whole .Till then,Ralph, rest in the peace of God's love.
Your twin,forever,
Flavia
July 31, 2012
It is with great sadness that I hear of Ralph's passing. I hope that his faith and love are great comfort to his wonderful family. Much love
Alisa Del Tufo
Rev. Tim Perry
July 31, 2012
I am very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Ralph was a professional colleague who shared my interest in Catholic/evangelical dialogue (but from the "other side"). I will pray today for the repose of his soul.
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