Ralph Gionta Obituary
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DENNIS BERRY
April 8, 2021
I became friends with Ralph through SOS, both sailing with him and at our Philly-area happy hours. And I was on a boat with Ralph during our BVI sailing trip in 2003.
But my fondest memories of Ralph are of him and his pals Joe, John and cousin Silvi working on my old boat. I had bought it in Rhode Island and planned to move it to the Chesapeake. At one of our happy hours Ralph approached me and said, When you move your boat down to the Chesapeake can we work on it for you? You don't have to pay us. We just like to work on boats.
And there began a multi- year relationship where Ralph and his buddies would meet me at my boat and fix things - anchor windlass, inverter, refrigerator, wiring - you name it. We'd all work a few hours and then have lunch. And they would buy!!! They enjoyed it that much.
I learned a lot from Ralph and I often think of him when I'm doing boat projects. Plus, Ralph was an all around good guy and fun to be with. I appreciated his knowledge and I liked his style. I'll miss him.
Dale Hinds
December 18, 2020
I worked part time as a seminarian at Judson Press where I got to know Ralph. We all liked Ralph who together with his boss, the late Jack Haegele, ran Judson Press. I was sorry to hear of his passing. But it looks like he was able to enjoy a lengthy and active retirement. RIP old friend.
Lyn Faulkner
May 22, 2020
Met Ralph dancing at the Tap House a few years ago, and I loved dancing with him, he was a great dancer. I recently moved so I am just getting the news now. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Always a gentleman and good friend.
marian houston
May 6, 2020
Ralph was a kind man who always had something nice and/or funny to say and share with his many friends.
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Marian Houston
May 6, 2020
My sympathy to Ralph's family. He was a kind man who always had something nice and/or funny to say and share with his many friends.
Brian Brennan
May 5, 2020
As friends of Mike, Ralph treated us like we were part of the family. We have so many fond memories of sailing, dinners and seeing bands here and in Avalon. Ralph showed us all how to live life to the fullest. Just glad we got to share some of it with him. Judy & Brian Brennan
Diana D McGee
May 1, 2020
My sincere condolences to Ralph's family. I met Ralph about 50 years ago when we both worked at Judson Press or the Holy Donut as many referred to it. Then about 30 years later is when I got to know him through the Valley Forge Walkers group. We had a laugh about how our paths crossed again. He always had the greatest smile and was very upbeat. He brought lots of fun wherever he went. He loved his heritage, which we also had in common.
Bill Small
May 1, 2020
Barbara Billek and I had the pleasure of sailing with Ralph from Key West to Fort Lauderdale during his trip down the Intracoastal Waterway and to the Bahamas. We had a grand time and on our last day aboard in Fort Lauderdale, we took him to dinner at OPA in Hollywood, Florida because he was looking for a place to take Michael and his friends who were to visit him after we left. Knowing Ralph, we thought his son would also be a fun loving person and we knew that was what made OPA one of our favorite places. From what Ralph told us, we guessed right.
I will miss his easy smile and great sense of humor in dealing with everyday challenges.
David O'Hara
May 1, 2020
Just wanted to let people know if they never met Ralph, they missed an opportunity to meet one of the nicest, sincere, generous, funny and Friendly person you could of ever met.
Rennie Clements
April 30, 2020
Disappointingly, I only knew Ralph for about about seven years when I first joined SOS. SOS and MLSC opened up many more activities for me and Ralph was a part of every one of them. He was a gentle and peaceful man. Apparently quite the athlete in his mid years. Always social and a great dancer. I'll miss Ralph at the Giant and Amadeo lunches with the tennis gang. Never got in with the exclusive ROMEOS. RIP buddy.
Dot Martin
April 30, 2020
Ralph was one of the most upbeat and nice person ever he will be missed
Ellen McCarel
April 30, 2020
From all of us at MLSC and SOS we will miss our dear friend Ralph. Rest in Peace. Ellen McCarel, Wynnewood, PA
Gerald "Jerry" Wright
April 30, 2020
Ralph was such a gentleman and kind man. Always at the dances "cutting up a rug." So sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed for sure.
Al Keffer
April 29, 2020
Met Ralph about 40 years ago
We quickly became friends
Many fond memories of skiing, sailing, golfing and playing tennis
He was the most gregarious person I have ever known
He will be sorely missed
Al Keffer
Frank MILOTICH
April 29, 2020
Ralph was the friendliest and most sincere person I've known. He always had something nice to say. I will miss him. Frank
Barbara Mistrik
April 29, 2020
I remember delightful conversations with Ralph re growing up in the Philly area. My lasting vision is of Ralph swabbing the decks of Bodacious very early one Sunday morning of an SOS weekend cruise. The remainder of the world seemed to be asleep.
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200 W Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA 19401
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