Ralph Cotto

Rafael "Ralph" Cotto, Jr., age 69, was born on June 2, 1955, in New York, NY, to Rafael Sr. and Maria "Tula" (Betancourt) Cotto. On December 17, 2024, Ralph passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in The Colony, Texas. His life was a testament to love, laughter, and selflessness-a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Ralph grew up in Gretna, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans, where he attended West Jefferson High School in Harvey. A vibrant and active member of his school and community, Ralph served as Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper and President of both the Boys Club and Leo's (Lion's) Club. He excelled academically as a member of the Math and Journalism Honor Societies. Following high school, he continued his education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

As the only boy among three sisters-Ivonne Millet, Susann Jolly, and Leticia McCourt-Ralph developed a playful yet respectful nature. Known for being a prankster with his siblings, he also learned from them how to treat women with kindness and respect-a value that guided him throughout his life.

On May 29, 1999, Ralph married Lori (Martin) Cotto, the love of his life and best friend. Together they built a beautiful family filled with love and joy. Ralph was a devoted father to their three children: Taryn (25), Peyton (23), and Christian (19). He also cherished his eldest daughter Lauren Cotto from a previous marriage. His family was the light of his life and he lit up anytime he spoke of them. It brought him great joy to take care of them in every way.

Ralph's talents were many-he was truly a jack-of-all-trades-but he mastered the art of expressing love through cooking. A skill he inherited from his mother Maria, Ralph delighted in preparing meals that brought people together. Whether it was a perfectly paired wine or one of his signature dishes, guests at the Cotto home were always treated to something special. He worked in the hospitality industry for years before dedicating himself as a stay-at-home dad during his children's formative years-a role he considered one of life's greatest blessings. Most recently, Ralph worked as a Team Lead at Sewell BMW in Texas-a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

Known for his sharp wit and humor, Ralph had an uncanny ability to make others laugh with his "Ralphisms" and infamous "Bad Dad Jokes." His sense of humor was inherited from his father Rafael Sr., who also loved to share jokes with a smile on his face. Ralph's friends often recall stories that still bring laughter today-his joy for life left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

A lifelong learner with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Ralph immersed himself in books and ideas. Though some may have jokingly referred to him as a "know-it-all," it was simply because he genuinely did know so much! His intellectual curiosity extended to his faith; after accepting Christ as his Savior in 1988, Ralph became an avid student of the Bible. Inspired by biblical scholars like Tim Mackie and Michael Heiser, he studied scripture daily and found immense joy in sharing God's word with others.

Ralph is survived by many loved ones who will forever cherish his memory: his beloved wife Lori; children Lauren Cotto of Quakertown, PA; Taryn Cotto of Plano, TX; Peyton Cotto of The Colony, TX; Christian Cotto of Waco, TX; mother Maria Cotto of Gretna, LA; sisters Ivonne Millet (Calvin) of Marrero, LA; Susann Jolly of Sherrill Ford, NC; Leticia McCourt (Charles); nieces Adrienne Millet and son Zachary, Ashley LeBlanc (Joshua) with children Henry and Eloise; Felicia Hill (Dustin) with daughters Adeline and Whitley; Jennifer McCourt; Christina McCourt; and nephew Michael Jolly; mother-in-law Dyna Martin; sisters-in-law Sheryl Martin; Denise Thomas (Rick) with children Dr. Sidney Thomas-Marzullo (Jack) and Harrison Thomas; along with countless other relatives and dear friends.

He is predeceased by his father Rafael "Ralph" Cotto Sr., father-in-law Terry Martin, mother-in-law, Sondra McMinn, brother-in-law Joe Jolly, and other loved ones who no doubt welcomed him into heaven with open arms.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., at Bent Tree Fellowship in Carrollton, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gospel Union Mission-a cause close to Ralph's heart.

Ralph lived a life full of love-love for God, love for family-and left behind countless memories that will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known him. May we honor him by carrying forward the kindness he showed us all.