Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Ralph Colosimo Obituary
1953 ~ 2015
Ralph L. Colosimo, age 61, passed away April 29, 2015. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 20, 1953. He attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School where he played football and was student body president. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1976 with a degree in psychology. Ralph was a lifelong member of the Salt Lake business community, and retired from the Utah Sate Department of Social Services in 2012. He married Paula Hansen on April 6, 2006.
He excelled at riding and training horses. He enjoyed writing, reading and classic western movies, especially anything with John Wayne.
Ralph is survived by his wife Paula; stepdaughter Merideth "Muff" Hansen; sons Mario Colosimo, Anthony Colosimo; daughter Jayme Colosimo; father Ernie Colosimo; brothers Danny Colosimo, Charlie (Lauri) Colosimo; sisters Monica (Denis) Lynch, Cynthia (Tony) Divino, and Peggy (Scott) Schwarz; and many nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother Mary Lou Colosimo.
A Mass in celebration of Ralph's life will be said on Monday, May 4, at 11:00 AM, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, where friends may call one hour prior. Private interment will be held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Donations in Ralph's memory may be made to Ralph's family c/o Paula Colosimo, 548 East 4050 South #5B, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Colosimo
Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.
Cheryl Moreno-Whitteron
December 26, 2015
Reading through facebook memos from Judge Memorial, I learned late last night Ralph had passed away in April. My heart is heavy with bitter sweet memories of one of the finest men I had the pleasure to have known and loved over the years. I am happy Ralph found love with his wife, Paula, and I send my belated sympathies to both his wife and the entire Colosimo family. The world lost a kind and generous spirit who will be dearly missed by all.
john morrell
May 16, 2015
My prayers are with the Colosimo family. Ralph was a former player for me at St. Ann's and we had a great time together. Always your coach.
Karen Atkinson-Hundley
May 12, 2015
I remember Ralph so well from St. Ann's. Every time I heard the family name through the years it brought back great memories from childhood. Rest in Peace.
Rosanne Henderson
May 11, 2015
Thoughts and prayers for Ralph and his family. May he rest in peace.
Mary Marquez
May 7, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Colosimo family during this very difficult time. I will forever cherish the wonderful memories of Ralph. Rest in peace my friend. God Bless.
May 5, 2015
Our sincere condolences to the Colosimo family. We were shocked and saddened by Ralph's sudden passing and it feels like we just saw him at a class reunion not long ago.
Rest in peace Ralph,
Frances Smith-Schroer, Warren Schroer
John Anton
May 5, 2015
Dan & Charlie
I was shocked and saddened when I learned of Ralph's passing. I feel very fortunate I got the opportunity to see Ralph again at your Market a couple of years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with the Colosimo family at this difficult time.
Paul Clark
May 5, 2015
Paula,
I was so surprised and saddened to hear about Ralph. I am very sorry for your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul Clark
Laura Smith
May 5, 2015
You'll always remain in my heart. You asked me to dance in 8th grade when noone else would!
You've always been such a sweetheart!
Laura Smith
May 5, 2015
Ralph,
I didn't know you during the past 30 years, but I've always respected you so much for the leadership you provided at St. Ann's. Noone surpassed you!
Ted Nichols
May 4, 2015
My love and prayers are with you all. You and everyone in your family were a big part of my life, love you all.
May 4, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Ralph. Prayers are sent your way. Debbie Zaelit Currin
Cherie Morrell
May 4, 2015
To the Colosimo Family,
I was saddened to learn of Ralph's passing. I have so many memories of all of us at St. Ann's and Judge. Rest in Peace Ralph. You are all in my prayers.
Mary Jo Vaculin
May 4, 2015
My Heart and Prayers goes to the Family. Thank you Ralph for the cherished childhood memories.
Angelita Florez
May 4, 2015
Dear Paula and Family,
I am so truly sorry for the loss of your husband, father and son. I remember when I first met him. He so sweet and kind. I will always treasure that in him. Keeping all of you in my prayers, may he rest in peace.
Nanette Gallant
May 4, 2015
Our prayers are with the Colosimo family at this difficult time. Ralph was a great man and is resting with our Lord Jesus Christ today. He has helped many with his kindness and generosity.
Victor Marquez
May 3, 2015
Ralph, My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family! It was a pleasure growing up in Magna and getting to know the Colosimo's, your family is and will always be a big apart of my family. RIP Hermano, Victor
Scott Lutz
May 3, 2015
It is painful to hear of a classmates passing. And Ralph, although not a close friend, had a good heart. Knowing now what Ralph chose to do with his life's work, I wish I had known him better. Rest in the arms of your Saviour, Ralph. Welcome home, good and faithful servant!
May 3, 2015
Ralph - I sure liked working with you at DCFC because you spoke your mind as you worked with your clients, and DCFS. You were an amazing devoted caseworker. They lost such a valuable caseworker when you left! And, I sure enjoyed working in the office next to you, my Italian buddy!
Love, Jo Ann Pilati Maxwell
Jeff Gadette
May 3, 2015
I'm so very sad to hear about my friend's passing. I will never forget the kindness and friendship Ralph and the entire Colosimo family always extended to me. Ralph will remain in my heart and be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, intelligence and warmth.
Michele McFarlane
May 3, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing and send prayers of blessing for the entire Colosimo family, May you find some peace during this difficult time. May Ralph rest in peace.
Theresa Saldivar Nebeker
May 3, 2015
I was also surprised and saddened to read of Ralph's passing. We also were classmates at St. Ann's and Judge Memorial. He was always dedicated to his family and a true leader. My prayers for the entire Colosimo family. May he rest in peace.
Dan Andrus
May 3, 2015
Peggy, I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing and send prayers of blessing and peace for you and for all of your family.
Jamie Cuatto
May 3, 2015
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. I had the privilege of knowing Ralph since kindergarten at St. Ann's and all through high school! My condolences to his wife, children and the entire Colosimo family. May you find comfort in all the happy memories you shared. Prayers for you all through this journey.
Richard Starley
May 3, 2015
The Starley family is saddened to learn of Ralph's death. Our condolences to Ernie, his brothers and sisters and the entire Colosimo family. May he rest in peace.
Michael Berry
May 2, 2015
Ralphie, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and get to know you. Thanks for always giving me the pick me up ever time I saw you, I wished we could have gone to dinner and drinks. Rest in peace you will be greatly missed.
tony bailey
May 2, 2015
So sorry to hear about Ralph. Prayers going out to your family
Mary Jo Anton
May 2, 2015
Paula, and all the Colosimo family....I know any words that I will write here can never soften the blow of Ralph's passing. I have had a hard time since finding out about it, but I am certain in pales in comparison to your feelings. Firstly, Paula. You were his rock. He had so much love and happiness with you and was so thankful that you had come into his life. I believe you two were true soul-mates. His love for you will last far beyond forever. To his children, you had a truly amazing father, and he always spoke of you with pride in his voice. To his father, sisters and brothers, Ernest, Monica, Cynthia, Dan, Charlie and Peggy, please accept my deepest sympathy. I hope you know just how much I loved your brother. I felt somehow a part of your family, if not in reality, then in my heart. I was honored to have known this boy-turned-man since kindergarten, you know he stole my heart from then! Even after 40 years of not seeing one another, it was like not a day had passed in our friendship. I was always happy to see or hear anything from him. Please remember the good times and the strong, compassionate and wonderful man he was. I wish for you all a soft place to seek comfort and the strength of faith we all share. I know your dear mother is holding him in her arms now. God bless you all and God rest his soul! You will be always in my mind.
May 2, 2015
I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn that Ralph has passed away. I looked up to him for leadership and inspiration in high school. I considered his younger brother Dan to be one of the best friends I ever had, and in many ways Ralph seemed like a big brother to me as well. He will be greatly missed.
steve summers
May 2, 2015
RIP Ralph.
Thomas Smith
May 2, 2015
I am so sorry about the passing of Ralph. Thoughts and prayers are with the family members.
tyler petersen
May 2, 2015
I had the opportunity to work closely with Ralph. What an inspiration. He was unique in the social work field. We lost someone great. Ralph I will miss all our talks, your advice, and how you always spoke for what was right no matter what the cost. Prayers for your special wife Paula, I know she was your pride and joy.
Wes Durr
May 1, 2015
Paula,
Ralph changed my life for the best. He helped me and my kids tremendously. Ralph was always honest in his words and deeds. At The Hair People he never laughed at our jokes, but I know he liked them. He was an amazing man and he is very missed. God speed Paula.
Love Always
May 1, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ralph. I was so sorry to hear about the death of Ralph. I worked with Ralph at DCFS. I met Ralph when I first began with DCFS and I so enjoyed the energy and humor he brought to our office and in the field. I will always remember the stories we shared of our elementary school experiences at St. Anne's in the 1960's.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Ralph Colosimo's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Ralph Colosimo
May
4
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Colosimo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
