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Ralph Ferraro Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Ferraro
chris mccormack
April 2, 2025
You are still missed Ralph!
Angel Balestier
April 2, 2025
Always in my heart miss you my dear friend
Louise Calise
July 22, 2024
Rest In Peace Ralph. Thank you for so much beautiful music.
Angel Balestier
April 2, 2023
My dear friend Easter is another holiday that brings light to this household thinking of you. Ralph you played a big part my career. My family thanks you Rest in Heavenly Peace God Grand you peace. Your in our hearts forever.
George wolkins
April 3, 2022
Just thinking of you a lot recently as I went through all the EPCOT music we did together. Your beautiful soul shines through it all.
Angel Balestier
April 2, 2022
Miss you Ralph rest in peace my dear friend
Angel Balestier
April 2, 2021
that I love him and miss him dearly we often speak about Ralph was always there for me Rest in Heavenly Peace my friend
Patrizia Giustini
July 7, 2020
Carissimo Ralph non ti dimenticherò mai ho impresse nella memoria le nostre risate la tua immensa generosità il tuo magico giardino, ti ho nella mia anima❤
George Wilkins
April 2, 2020
Have just been listening to the underwater scene music he Orchestrated for me on the EPCOT project back in the 80s
It couldnt have been done any more beautifully. Im sad he is no longer part of my every day life.
Loved him dearly along with his beautiful family.
angel balestier
April 2, 2020
I miss you Ralph you were very dear to me a great friend and mentor my family loved you dearly we miss your holiday greetings
Angel Balestier
April 2, 2019
Miss you my dear friend always on my heart and mind
September 21, 2012
BINGO`thank you for your perseverance.I read all of the tributes to Ralph and am not surprised at the warmth and love for my old friend they expressed. We renewed our friendship after many years due to Ralphs contact, getting my phone number through Joe Bilotta. Several years of contact resulted that included his visit to New Orleans and Baton Rouge and our fortuitous reunion in Waterbury. I kept up with Ralph`s successes through old mutual misician friends in Waterbury and was always proud of hi. As young men Ralph and I played in bands together around Waterbury. My first recollection of Ralph was of him working at his uncles` fruit store on North Main Streetat an early age, possibly still in grade school. Somewhere in 1951 or 1952 we metin Bob Mobilio`s music store. I was home on a short break from college. Ralph talked about his draft status. Since I had been at the Navy school of music during WWII, Isuggested it as an option to Ralph. It evidently worked out well for him. I had very good experience as a Navy misician.....I can say I surpass Donald Clapps as Ralph`s oldest friend.85 years old....Thank you much for getting the guest book to me...I will keep it for rereading....Busty and Evelyn
August 15, 2012
August 15, 2012
In memory of Ralph A. Ferraro
Einstein's shiny head sits upon the Steinway piano as freshly composed music filters through the basil infused garden breeze that blows from his backyard. How comfortable it is to sink into the fluffy couch surrounded by beautiful artifacts and paintings that breathe the life of Italy and California blending together as if one. It is soul quenching to be in this house with a family that shares so much love and tenderness, treating me as a member of the family. As I drink the carefully blended Gin and Tonic that never lacks enough alcohol, stories are shared and laughter abounds like in a good book that you can't put down. I am inspired and relieved of my daily stress. To smell the goodness of pure and perfect Italian food as it is cooked by loving hands in the Ferraro house is a mystical experience that I can compare to no other home or place I know. To be seated at the dinner table surrounded by such a loving family feeds my soul as well as my body.
Ralph truly was a mentor to me. He was a musician with a large scope that encompassed both sight and sound. He made sure that I knew that the dues that it takes to be a composer of music never ends. I remember one very special phone call when he told me what an honor it was to have lived a life of music doing what he was supposed to do.
Ralph was like a second father to me. When I was lost he made sure I found my way back. When my first love stole my heart and left me he let me know there would be another. When I presented him my latest song he gave me it to me straight, whether it was good or bad. But when he liked it I knew I earned his praise. He made sure I didn't burn the food with too many coals in the barbecue. I acquired my love of gardening hanging out with him on the terraced vegetable garden.
When I had my own daughters, I knew what it was going to take from watching him to be as good a father as he was. I also know how much he loved his family and how much they loved him. There will always be love in my heart for Ralph.
Marc Shure
July 18, 2012
I met Mani while swimming together at the Temescal Canyon Pool. I was so fortunate to meet her husband Ralph. The first time I met Ralph, he was in the vegetable garden (and what a garden it was!). I will remember Ralph as the most genuine, sincere, and compassionate person that I have ever met. Even when he was sick, he never complained. I know that Mani and the two girls will miss him greatly.
Love,
Monica and Ray Cardenas
Pacific Palisades, CA
No matter where we look a memory of you will always be in our hearts.
July 7, 2012
Jack Reilly
June 25, 2012
Friend me Wife carol
Jack Reilly
June 25, 2012
PS
"Steve" was great at mimicking the song of the morning dove. Now when I hear the song of this bird every morning I feel it's Ralph talking to me.
Jack Reilly
angel balestier
June 15, 2012
My dear friend Ralph I will miss you very much for I have lost a very dear friend. I will never forget your yearly salutations during the holidays, and the friendship we shared for so many years.The many memories we shared at the sausage parties and your request I can still hear you Ange( no fennel) and at my studio with our dear friends. You were the best and will remain in my heart for ever. Gods speed and safe journey to you my dear friend I love you, and I will miss you dearly.
Angel Balestier
June 14, 2012
philippa murthy
June 13, 2012
Dear Ralph:
So many wonderful memories. A home with laughter, story telling, celebrating holidays, meeting exciting new friends.
Picnics in your garden while devouring glorious food and wine. You along with your darling Mani, Franesca and Claudia always made us feel special-- such a gift.
My love goes out to your family and friends..
Santa Monica Canyon has lost a treasure.
Love Philippa
Stuart Balcomb
June 9, 2012
What a hammer-fist to the heart to hear of Ralph's passing! I worked on many films with him, and he was one of the last true gentlemen of the business. Always a gracious and humble man, he was an extreme pleasure to work with. I shall miss him dearly.
Gene Hessler
June 5, 2012
Ralph seemed like a brother and he always called me Gino. Ralph, my brother, Jack and I were at the Naval School of Music in 1952. Later, Ralph and I were at the Manhattan School of Music an soon after that we shard an apartment in NYC where musician-friends crashed for days or weeks.
In the 1960s I stayed with Mannie and Ralph in Rome where Ralph was up all night writing his first arrangement for a recording. Soon he wrote more and faster, and brought this experience to LA and the film industry.
Some of the best Italian food I have had came from the hands of Mannie and Ralph in Rome and LA.
Ralph was an excellent drummer, composer and orchestrator. He was generous with a heart larger than anyone could imagine.
Whenever Ralph telephoned, after Elvis became popular in the 1950s, following my "hello" I heard a familiar bluesy voice singing "My baby done gone and left me...."
Mannie, Francesca and Claudia will miss Ralph, I know, as I and all his friends will. Ciao Raphael
May 30, 2012
May 30, 2012
Jere Kinnan
May 27, 2012
In all my life I have never had as much fun as when the Santa Monica Canyon group gathered at the Ferraro's for drinks, food, etc. etc.. Ralph would tell stories that were so him and so much fun that those evenings became unforgettable. His story about putting the "pot" in the shower to hide it from the animal control office will go down as tge best of all. (you had to be there to really appreciate the story)
I've been away for a long time but my love for Ralph and Mani remains just as strong. My very best to Mani, the kids and all of Ralph's friends.
Jere Kinnan
May 24, 2012
yvonne
May 24, 2012
Babbo Ralph
the truest kindest father, husband,and
friend to me over decades.
We met 49 years ago in Rome and became family. He was the best. He loved life and he fought valiantly to wake another day and see his wonderful home, his Mani his two daughters he loved so very much, He put up with so much discomfort and then horrendous pain to be a part of life even as it got harder and harder to maintain.
Yes he was enormously talented a brilliant composer and arranger but also a renaissance man who outside of composing and arranging was a true artist in leaded glass and carpentry and a wonderful gardener raising bonsais as well as all the italian vegetables he knew from his youth.
What can i add he is so very missed. In my life i will never have the friend i called Babbo again but neither will i ever forget him either.
He will stay in my life until we meet again...
love you Babbo!
May 23, 2012
May 23, 2012
May 23, 2012
Tracy Lauterman
May 21, 2012
An amazing man, so creative and full of life. Like a second father to me who I enjoyed growing up with so very much. I was so lucky to have been a part of your life. I will miss you. Please give my mom a hug for me when you see her.
Patricia Lasky
May 19, 2012
My love and sympathy to you Dear Mani, Francesca and Claudia, please know I care and share in your sorrow, God Bless You all,You are so very dear to my heart.
Your friend Patti
Patricia Lasky
May 19, 2012
I only knew Ralph for 10 days, but I felt his warmth and welcoming me to his home. Play music for our Lord and His Angels, RIP dear Ralph. Love Patti
Anthony Jarrett
May 8, 2012
I met Ralph about 12 years ago thru my mentor Jack Reilly. Ralph and Manny welcomed me into their wonderful life together just because I was Jack's student. My memory of Ralph is of a man with a very generous spirit, and a rare musical talent. My condolences to all who loved Ralph. RIP.
Maxine Manners Samuels
May 5, 2012
Somewhere there's a soul
creating music and love
Kindness and myrth
to those up above
who he knew on earth,
He sends those same blessings
to those here below,
That is the soul
of Ralph Ferraro.
Please Ralph, compose the music to my lyrics. I miss you. Maxine
May 4, 2012
My best friend for 62 years. We played in the best dance band in the Navy for 4 years and became the very best of friends. Ralph came out to Kansas and lived with me for awhile. He is the most caring person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We
have had many great expreiences together. His birthday, July 3 was the same as my fathers. We had so much in common, I'll miss him beyond words. Jim Johnson
chris mccormack
May 3, 2012
Mani,Francesca and Claudia, please accept my heart felt condolences on the passing of your husband and father.
West Rustic has not felt the same for the past month. Ralph was a kind soul, who always treated the postman like an old friend. Because of this, I will miss him today and always.
all the best,
Chris McCormack
May 3, 2012
IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE I WILL NEVER AGAIN BE ABLE TO TALK, LAUGH AND CRY WITH MY DEAR FRIEND RALPH. HE BROUGHT MUCH SUNSHINE INTO MY LIFE WHEN I NEEDED IT THE MOST.
I LOVED HIM FOR ALWAYS BEING A CARING HUSBAND AND FATHER TO HIS BEAUTIFUL FAMILY ……… FOR BEING A GREAT COMPOSER/ORCHESTRATOR ………. FOR HOSTING AND COOKING GREAT MEALS (OUR ALL TIME FAVORITE PASTA SAUCE) ….
BUT MOSTLY FOR BEING A WONDERFUL SINCERE AND LASTING FRIEND.
HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED. RIP ....GEORGE AND KIM WILKINS
May 2, 2012
i miss you terribly
birthday present
gabriel
April 30, 2012
To my great-grand Uncle Ralph. My Nonna says that I was the best birthday gift anyone could have. And i share it with you as well as many things that you loved doing. Cooking, laughing, music school and being with those that you love. She tells me she loves me to the moon and back. She shares i love you a bushel and a peck with Zoey. Nonna said it was your song with her. This July when I am 3 i'm making a cake for the both of us. Enjoy the fireworks we do alot of those. love your nephews Damiahn, Ethan and me Gabriel the b'day boy! i love you to the moon and back. <3
April 22, 2012
I've always been very proud of Ralph's accomplishments and his talent as a musician and orchestrator. Though I've not been with him for many years, I will miss him very much. Our love to you-Mani,Francesca and Claudia. Carl and Karen Cicchetti
Jack Reilly
April 20, 2012
We referred to each other affectionately as "STEVE". Don't ask me how we arrived at that nickname but it bonded us in a strange, weird way.We loved calling each on the phone and saying, "Steve? It's Steve"! It was like a code name for our club of two nut cases that gave an uncanny feeling of being so very special to each other; more than being twins, more than being brothers, more than being married to each other, ( Steve), Ralph, would get a huge kick out of that last one!).
We served in the U.S. Navy together, 1951-53. We played jazz gigs together 1954-59, went to school together, 1954-58, at the MANHATTAN SCHOOL of MUSIC, (MSM). I lived on Staten Island and Steve would let me stay over at his West Side uptown apartment all week, and even practice on his dinky upright piano, (sorry Steve).
After he married the beautiful Mani,1959, he had two musical offers concurrently; 1) to join Stan Kenton's big band on drums or, 2) to take a position playing percussion in the film studios in Rome. He chose the latter and as they say, the rest is history.
We always, always stayed in touch by phone 2-3 times a month up to the week before his passing. I was deeply saddened and stunned for days. I lost my STEVE. my dearest, dearest friend. The truest friend I ever had. GOD, I'LL MISS YOU STEVE.
Now I'll have to wait to see/talk to him because I don't have his new cell phone number "upstairs"! If he has one!
Jack Reilly
[email protected]
DONALD CLAPS
April 19, 2012
April 19,2012
I'm Ralph's oldest friend of 68 years. We played in the High School Orchestra together and the US Time Drum Corp. He changed my life by encouraging me to move to California. My whole family was saddened with his departure, but his memory will always be with us. His family became our family We'll miss sharing the joy with him in his backyard for picnics and holiday celebrations. He accomplished more during his life than most people have and accumulated more friends. His last words during a phone conversation always were ..let's get together for a dish of pasta.
April 18, 2012
Manny, Francesca, Claudia and Joanie....
Much sadness at the loss of Ralph...remembering the good times with the Olivers...I just know he's watching you all and making Heaven brighter....God bless all of you.....Love, Carla and Bob
JOAN OLIVER
April 16, 2012
THANK YOU FOR BEING IN MY LIFE..FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR ME..MISS YOU,LOVE YOU, RIP..YOU'LL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART..YOUR SISTER-IN-LAW..JOAN XOXOXOOX
ABABS
April 13, 2012
Dear Maestro Ferraro: we're proud to know and enjoy your music. You will be with us for the rest of our lives and beyond.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Asociación Balear Amigos de las Bandas Sonoras.
David
April 12, 2012
It was a great honor and privilege to know Ralph Ferraro and his music. Ralph was an accomplished, consummate musician, but his true greatness was in his humanity. All too rarely does life afford one the opportunity to know a personage, the high-caliber of Ralph Ferraro. The friendship shown to me by Ralph, Mani and their daughters has been, and will remain among the most cherished of my life. That life has been diminished by this loss, and it will remain so until such time, now unknown, when we will meet in some other realm. Until then...
Bless you, Ralph Ferraro
April 12, 2012
I love you a bushel and a peck an a hug around the neck xxxooo
April 11, 2012
i miss you Dad
Devereux Family
April 11, 2012
Our family was very sad when we heard that Ralph had passed away. Ralph was one of the most genuine, caring, sensitive, intelligent, affectionate and funny friends that we have had the honor of knowing. Ralph was the kind of man that you will remember and talk about forever. He was a free spirit with a kind and generous heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mani, Francesca and Claudia.
Love,
The Devereux Family
Juan Minelli
April 9, 2012
We all loved Ralph like family.It was so nice playing the piano for him and seeing him really enjoy it.
We loved the feeling of being in Italy every time,we would visit the Ferraro's.
Ralph you shall be missed, but shall never be forgotten.My deepest sympathy to the Ferraro family.
Love,
The Minelli Family
Juan.E.F Minelli
April 9, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Ferraro family,Many,Francesca and Claudia.I loved so much Ralph
,who was a wonderful person,and a good friend of our family.I will miss him Xander wish he rest in peace.His house remains me a little Italian. villa.
JuangiovanniPatoMinelli. And Family.(Maria L.and )..
derene watt
April 8, 2012
Am devasted to hear thatr my dear friend and Godfather to my daughter has dceparted. He was one of the most influencial persons in my life and I cannot imagine the world with him.....Ralpjy-poo You will be greatly missed. And what a legacy you are leaving behind! I used to live next door to Ralph Manny and the girls in the 1960's and loved listening to him compose up in his little piano room. He and I even sat together saometimes and ran lyrics and tunes across each other. Manny made wonderful meals and Ralph grew wonderful organic foods in his little garden. Now I am in Florida and I regret not making that last trip to the west coast to kiss my ralphy goodbye. Manny, God Bless you and the girls...My thoughts and prayers are with you in spirit. Rest in peace My friend Ralph Ferraro. You were so loved. xxxoxx derene Dee Williams Hine Watt and God Daughter Jamie Hine
April 8, 2012
Manny and girls...He lives forever in my heart. I loved him so much. I will never foget his kindness when I was a child. I have so many deep memories. His kindness to my Mom and Dad, especially when my Mom was so very ill...The both of you never forgot us. I am heartbroken. I love you all....
Barbara Cedela Beauty
Maria Sauze
April 8, 2012
Ralph was an amazing artist, husband, father and friend, full of love for his music as well as for all the ones we were lucky to share his life . Ralph will be missed dearly by me and all my family.
Maria
Ric Kinnan
April 8, 2012
Ralph was a great guy--very, very funny and loving. A great friend to many, many people. Ralph was the life of every party and we were lucky to have him in our lives. His character was big and strong, tempered only by his lovely wife Mani. Ralph has two beautiful daughters who he shared his passion for life with. Ralph's memory shall burn warm and bright in all of us throughout our lives. We will miss our friend Ralph.
Ric, Tobi, Claire, Carly, & Callan
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