Ralph Pfaff

Ralph Pfaff Longtime area educator and musician, died November 18, 2009, in San Jose, California. He leaves his wife Ruth Pfaff, their daughter Carole Blake Smith (her husband Rick) and son Jim (his wife Lisa), as well as six grand daughters, Sara Blake McDowell (her husband Greg) and Meghan Blake, Stephanie and Chelsea Smith, and Kathrine and Carly Pfaff. Ryan and Lea McDowell are their first great-grandchildren. Ralph was born December 6, 1918, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and, by the time he completed high school there, was well trained in music education, having already learned all the instruments. He taught full time right out of high school and completed his B.S. in music education at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He later earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Southern California. Ralph and Ruth first met in kindergarten, but lost touch and then became reacquainted in college. At this point WWII intervened in their lives. While Ruth, also an accomplished musician, filled in at his teaching position, Ralph began serving in the infantry. He was sent to Officer Training School in Fort Benning, Georgia, where he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was then transferred to Camp Roberts. They were married shortly after. He served overseas, including landings with General MacArthur in the Philippines, where he was wounded. Ralph was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptional bravery and the Purple Heart. Remembering the California climate, he asked Ruth if she would like to relocate there to teach. He developed a music program in King City, which grew in seven years from very modest to giving performances which drew enthusiastic audiences from all over the valley. From there he went to Willow Glen High School in San Jose, which was to remain his favorite teaching venue. There he led students in vocal and instrumental music and was truly a mentor to many. Full-scale performances of musicals such as Oklahoma and South Pacific drew over 200 in participating, including many who were inspired to go on to professional careers in performing and teaching. They remembered him as well, and remained in touch throughout his life. Ralph later served as principal of Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover Junior High Schools. He retired in 1979, after 32 years of teaching in California. He and Ruth remained active in performing with the San Jose Symphony and Municipal Band and Santa Clara Symphony, and Ralph shared his expertise in vocal music and choir directing with various groups, including singing with St. Christopher's Choir and directing the Men's Group. He was Librarian, as well, with the SJ Symphony. Ralph rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in Reserve command and General Staff School and later served as Director of that school. He was president of the Reserve Officers Association. He served as president of the Santa Clara Division of the California Retired Teachers Association and, most recently as Parliamentarian. He was also Director of State Board and President of the Reserve Officers Association of Santa Clara, and past Big Sir of Branch 54, Sons in retirement. Always a teacher, he organized recorded music programs for the residents of Lincoln Glen Manor, where he and Ruth enjoyed their later years of retirement. Special interests were travel, golf, and trains, and included membership in the National Railroad Historical Society. He also enjoyed woodworking, including cabinetry and such projects as grandfather clocks. He and Ruth learned they were about to be grandparents when their daughter called and asked if he had "any plans for cradles." Ralph is at rest now, as his legacy of love, leadership skills and music lives on in all the hearts he touched. Memorial gifts may be made to the California Retired Teachers Association - CRTA Div. 6 Scholarship Foundation, 4952 Northlawn Ct., San Jose, CA 95130. Services will be held on Monday, November 23, 2009, at 11am, St. Christopher's Church, 1576 Curtner Ave., San Jose.