Vallecorsa, Ralph
Ralph James Vallecorsa, 72, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 16, 1945 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania to Herman and Mary (Direnzo) Vallecorsa. He spent his childhood in nearby Ambridge, where he developed an unshakably strong faith, formed lifelong friendships, and fell in love with Steeler football. Ralph earned his undergraduate and master's degrees in education from Kent State University. There, he met the love of his life, Catherine (Besst), and they were married June 22, 1968. Ralph began his career at St Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Opportunity brought him to Arizona, and he spent 27 years as a college guidance counselor at Brophy College Preparatory. He also taught driver's education, coached basketball and golf, and organized countless trips with students across the country to visit various universities. He continued his career at North Canyon High School. During his four decades in education, Ralph had an enormous impact on the lives of teachers, students, and families with his unique ability to touch people in a genuine and positive way. His sense of humor will undoubtedly be missed, especially his uncanny ability to create nicknames for those he loved. Some of Ralph's favorite activities included dinners and movies with Cathy and their friends, weekly golf outings, and travelling to visit family and attend sporting events. Above all, he loved his annual summer vacation in Mission Beach, California with his entire family. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Cathy; sister Ada (Rita Ledford); sons, Alan (Jennifer) and David (Katie); daughters Jamie (George Adams) and Gina (Max Rosenberg); and eight beautiful grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 4:00 pm at Franciscan Renewal Center located at 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph's name to Hospice of the Valley at www.hov.org. Our family would like to recognize the exceptional and loving care provided by Dr. Peters, Dr. Miller, Dr. Dickens, and the entire staff at Ryan House. Your kindness and guidance over the last five years has been a blessing. Go Steelers!

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jul. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Vallecorsa

7 Entries

Coach David Lopez & Family

July 7, 2017

Vallecorsa Family; Your dad/ husband, and I began our relationship as fierce coaching rivals, then progressed to friendly coaching rivals, then ended up as good friends. We were great supporters of each other's families and his love and friendship were the best! He always had something to say, usually positive and up lifting. It brings a smile to my face knowing that he has left us all with the strength to carry on, he would have liked that. He will be missed. Our family prayers are with all of you and may his memory and God's grace comfort all of you.

Carol and Robert Freebairn

July 2, 2017

Dear Cathy and family, we hope you know how much we loved Ralphie and how much we will miss him. He brought so much joy, love, wisdom and humor into every life he touched-and there were many, as I'm sure you know. How lucky we all were to have had him in "our stories", the phrase his Mom, Mary, once expressed to me when we shared some life experiences. Our love and thoughts are with you. Wish we could be there on the sixth, but know we are there in spirit. May your memories sustain you and bring you peace.

Chris Pisciotta

July 2, 2017

Rest in peace Mr. Vallecorsa you and your great family were important to me growing up and enjoyed you always making me laugh. Thanks for allowing Alan and I coming to your team basketball practices as had great memories being part of the hoops Broncos family and rooting with you for the Steelers and the Pirates championships. Cathy and family, my prayers are with you.

Rosie Rivero

July 2, 2017

I will miss his smile and wonderful sense of humor. Such a caring man!

Nick and Carmen Szabo

July 2, 2017

We think and talk of you, Rip and Cathy, often. Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We were blessed the day God brought Rip into our lives. So many good memories. Thank you Rip. Heaven is a better place now that you are there. Our loss their gain!!! Love you.

Fred Weaver

July 2, 2017

You will be missed Mr. V!

July 2, 2017

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15

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