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BORN
1976
DIED
2025
LA DE Obituary
Oct. 16, 1976 – May 10, 2025
With a heavy heart, I share the unexpected death of my beloved son, Ralph Brewer De La Rosa, who died on May 10, 2025, in Seattle, Washington.
Born October 16, 1976, in El Centro, CA, Ralph graduated from Central Union High and earned his degree summa cum laude from Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Services. He was a devoted therapist, meditation teacher, and author of three books. Ralph began his career in NYC's foster care system, serving vulnerable youth. Creative and curious from childhood, he remained deeply musical and compassionate. He was an activist, musician, adventurer, and a truly kind, authentic soul. He once said he dreamed of "a world where everyone knows how to be their own therapist, their own healer, their own best parent."
He was preceded in death by his father, David; siblings, Sally and Luke; grandparents, Nacho and Tillie De La Rosa and Ralph and Laura Brewer; uncles, Nacho, Robert, Richard, and Arturo; and aunt, Tencha De La Rosa. He is survived by his mother, Arcelia De La Rosa; sister, Tillie Real; nieces, Leslie and children Micah and Mila Fernandez, Kelsie Johnson, Bailey, and (H) Martin Pena; and son, Mateo; aunt, Elizabeth, and family; uncle, Jesse, and (W) Laura De La Rosa; and many cousins, friends, and students.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for LA DE
Sara Garcia
July 21, 2025
I'm devastated by his loss but infinitely grateful for the years we had. It is hard to make sense of a world without him. He will always be in my heart
Valerie
June 11, 2025
My introduction to Ralph´s gifts was in an Insight Timer class on trauma - I returned to his wise, soothing and helpful words time after time, especially during the pandemic. It´s been awhile but I was about to return to them again this morning when I noticed that the headline had changed to "in memory of" - I´m shocked and deeply saddened. Please know that Ralph´s spirit is strong and his words and work lives on - my thoughts and deepest condolences to his family, other loved ones, and his students.
Jim Gormley
May 31, 2025
Ralph and I became fast friends when we first met at Spirit Rock. WE shared a lot of common views of life and the humor and absurdity that we often experience. Whenever we met again, either in person or online, we revived all those feelings and shared them again.
Jon Driffill
May 30, 2025
so sorry to hear of your loss. ralphie was a gentle soul with exceptional talents and intellect. may we remember ralph as i always will, with the heart warming smile that was forever on his face.
Ramiro De La Rosa
May 29, 2025
T0 My Dear Cousin Sally & Families
My most sincere condolence to You & family. I have very fond memory of Ralph when was about 10 Or 11. Met him at an El Centro rec function for Kids.
Thats the only time met talked t0 Him. I cherish the moment that I had with Him and will always remain in my heart. He Is Still Family. May God Bless Ralph , Prima & your Families. Go Bulldogs Go Tita & Coco De La Rosa
My Dear Cousin Sally & Families.
My most sincere condolences to You and ur Family. My Famiy & I are so sad & sorry to on passing of ur Son
Ralph
Jenny Stewart
May 28, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of fun times with Ralph during the good old Golden Hill days and then reconnect with him in New York more recently. Ralph's big heart and perspectives on self-compassion really changed the way I thought about trauma and love. I will miss his insightful emails and will remember his great sense of humor and playfulness present in his books.
Justin Gillies
May 28, 2025
Sally, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I pray he is dancing in the green pastures with Sally! May Gods blessings and peace be upon you during this time of mourning and know that he is in a much better place! RIP Ralphie!
Danny
May 28, 2025
My deepest condolences Sally, Ralphie became a great friend/confidant/family to me. May he rest in God´s peace and see him in heaven when we all get there. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts...Psalms 121:8
Susan Farrar Paradis
May 28, 2025
Oh Sweet Ralpie, I have so many fond memories, from babysitting you then watching you grow into the talented man you became. Always open to new ideas, always challenging yourself and others to be your best self. You were a joy to know, and while our "get together´s" were few and far between as life went on, we always seemed to pick up as if we talked every day. You were loved and will be missed. I rejoice, knowing you are pain free! Rest in eternal peace Ralphie.
Condolences and Prayers to Sally and the family.
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