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Ralph D. Galtelli

FUNERAL HOME

Memphis Funeral Home - Poplar

5599 Poplar Ave

Memphis, Tennessee

Ralph Galtelli Obituary

RALPH D. GALTELLI. 1936 - 2008. Ralph Galtelli left this world today, Sunday, August 17, 2008, just as he lived, walking softly and leaving big treads. He will be missed most of all by his family, and greatly by the many people whose lives he touched. Unknowingly, he became a Memphis legend. He was drafted in the Army in 1955 and represented his country in Germany, by boxing as an undefeated champion with a 22 to 0 record. He played third base for the US in 1957 and was selected to the ALL-EUROPE softball team. After he was discharged and returned home, he chose to follow in his fatherâ€™s profession in the shoe Repair industry. He purchased Galtelli Shoe Service at 1621 Union from his father, Henry Galtelli, and later formed the MEMPHIS SHOE REPAIR ASSOCIATION. He then went on to win 1st Place in the Southern Shoe of Champions. In 1970 he was awarded a Judgeship in the field trials of the pointing breed of bird dogs. In 1972 he was awarded a Judgeship for the breed of Brittany Spaniels, and that year was elected the Outstanding Judge of the Year. In 1977 he was inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame as Fast Pitch Manager Coach. Elvis, who helped wire Galtelliâ€™s Shoe Repair at 1621 Union, when he was driving a truck for the electric company, sponsored Ralphâ€™s ball team. As Ralph won the trophies, he would take them to Vernon to display in the trophy case at Graceland, where they still reside for the enjoyment of the Graceland tourists. Ralph Galtelli was President of the Memphis Italian-American society and home of the Memphis Bocce Club from 1999 to 2008. Ralph made the cover of Memphis Magazine and just recently was awarded The Key To The City. Ralph Galtelli was preceded in death by his parents, Henry A. Galtelli and Secondina Bomprezzie Galtelli, and leaves his wife, Pam Galtelli, son, Ralph D. Galtelli, Jr. and two daughters, Alicia G. Yager and Tracy Pennington; six grandchildren; one great-grandson, a sister, June G. Acuff and a brother, Raymond L. Galtelli. Family will receive friends from 5-8 at Memphis funeral Home Wednesday evening, August 20 Poplar Chapel, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be said at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Thursday, August 21 at 12 noon. Burial will follow in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar 901-725-0100 www.memphisfuneralhome.net

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Published by The Commercial Appeal on Aug. 19, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Galtelli

19 Entries

Maude Schuyler Clay

September 18, 2008

I just found out today that this dear, wonderful man had died. He was simply one of the nicest people I ever met. Truly one of the last of the great Italian craftsmen, he will be missed by all his customers at Galtelli Shoe Service. I consider myself lucky having met him and gotten to know him. My thoughts are with his family; I just wanted to tell them how sorry I am that he is gone. His parents were from the Miss. Delta where I live, and we talked about that every time I came in the shop. There should be more people like Mr. Galtelli in this world! What a loss.

John Owings

September 12, 2008

Tracy, Pam and family - I have been out of Memphis for a long time. My sister sent me the article from the Memphis paper about Ralph. When I was living in Memphis I had all my shoe repair work done by your Dad and probably your Grandfather as well. For all the time I was there, no one was allowed to touch my shoes but them. They were both true "artists" of their trade. I have always longed for a place to take my shoes with the same high quality product as Galtelli's, but haven't found it yet, anywhere. Memphians are fortunate to have someone carry on that great tradition. God Bless and best of luck in the future.

Denise DuBois Taylor

September 3, 2008

I want to extend my sincere sympathies to the entire Galtelli family. I gew up in Midtown and remember my mother sending my brother and me (on our bikes) to Mr. Galtelli for various repairs. He could make the most worn out items look brand new. I will always remember his quiet manner, his warm smile, and the wonderful inviting smell of leather that permeated his shop. I'm so glad his daughter is going to keep it open.

Shirley Godinho

August 28, 2008

Dear June, Raymond, Ralph's Family,
I was so sad to learn of my cousin Ralph's death. I'm glad he was surrounded by family and loved ones. He was a courageous and kind man. I knew he was very ill and so admired his strength to keep going to work with pain.
Some of my favorite childhood memories were visiting my aunt and uncle and playing "Tarzan" with Ralph, June and Raymond in their backyard. We had so much fun.
I know Ralph will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Our sincere condolences and prayers to his family.
Love, Shirley, Doug and Children

Dana (Thorpe) Chisholm

August 25, 2008

Ralph Jr. - I got your e-mail but somehow got deleted. Please e-mail me again - would like to give you a message from my mother. Thanks!

Cousin, Terzino Bomprezzi

August 24, 2008

To the Family of Ralph Galtelli, June and Raymond

I am very sorry to hear of Ralph's death. Ralph was a wonderful man and great shoemaker. I remember that I was a young boy watching you with my mother, Ida and fatther Terzino. It was one of my amaging watch Ralph how to do making and sew any kind of shoes. I still went to drop my shoes off at Ralph's shoe business who he owned. He will be missed by many. My prayer are with him. his family, June and Raymond and may you find peace in know that he is in a better place. No tears, be strong and just smiles that is what Ralph want for you.

God Bless you!!

Kim Gullett

August 23, 2008

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Galtelli. I was lucky enough to have him repair shoes and handbags for me over the past few years. He was a wonderful and kind man.
May you find peace during this difficult time.

Dana (Thorpe) Chisholm

August 20, 2008

My dad (Bill Thorpe) was on the Ace Appliance men's fast-pitch softball team with Ralph Galtelli. I know they are both in Heaven now probably "chatting" or "playing" softball. Thanks for the good memories. May God Bless the Galtelli family.

Bud Scism

August 20, 2008

To the Galtelli Family ... my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jesse & Ashleigh Reier

August 20, 2008

Raymond, Josephine & The Galtelli Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We hope you know we are thinking of each of you!

Teresa Melder

August 20, 2008

Even though I've never met this gentleman. Heard plenty interesting stories about him and his life had been fullfilled. Bless him for that he now joyful and resting up in Heaven with Lord. Remember all the good times and things with him. Proud to know and have him in family. God bless him. And pray for all of his loved ones who missing him.

ROSE COSCIA

August 20, 2008

June.....My prayers are with you as always, and my heart is very, very sad. Ralph is a good man. I know these are simple words, but they mean so much. I know, in my soul I feel that Ralph is with his precious mother and father now, and God has finished his work with Ralph and now has him in his circle of glory and peace. I am so glad that Ralph has the total love of his family and friends, Ralph has left his stamp on this world and while the world is a better place because of him, no one else will ever be able to fill his imprint. I love you and wish I was there to hold your hand as you tell your brother that you will see him later.....

Julie (Bomprezzi), Will, and Olivia Caster

August 19, 2008

We send our deepest sympathy to the Galtelli family. I know how terribly he will be missed. Our prayers are with you.

Don and Gloria Whittington

August 19, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Pam, and your families. Ralph was always a joy to be with. He was a very good man. God Bless

Charlotte Gray

August 19, 2008

My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you, Pam and your families. Ralph was the kindest, most soft-spoken and gentlest man I've ever talked to. God Bless each of you at this sad time. Love, Charlotte (Cherryl's sister in law).

Lyman McLallen

August 19, 2008

In my memory, Galtelli's Shoe Repair was always there on Union. I can't remember how many pairs of shoes and belts and other leather goods Mr. Galtelli fixed for me over the years, but I was always happy with his work, and his prices were always reasonable. Mr. Galtelli was a gentleman and a gentle man, and during his time on this earth, he was one of the finest citizens of Memphis, Tennessee.

Harold Bomprezzi

August 19, 2008

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Ralph's family, extended family, and all the relatives and friends who knew and loved him. It is an honor to have been chosen, by him, to be a pall bearer. My prayers go with you all as you mourn his death but celebrate his life.

Amy McDaniel

August 19, 2008

Mr. Galtelli was such a sweet man, and the absolute best at his trade. I had no idea of his very rich past, but it comes as no surprise.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Connie Bomprezzi-McCarter

August 19, 2008

I just wanted to express my condolences. I never got to know Ralph very well and after reading the obituary regret that I didn't. I am so proud to call him my cousin.I have talked to so many that have had their shoes repaired at his store. They all have wonderful memories of how kind he was. One lady shared with me his love for Bocci ball which my grandfather, Severino, his Uncle also dearly loved. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless!

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