Aparicio Ivan Ranghel

Aparicio Ivan Ranghel passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, with his loving wife by his side, at the age of 73, near his hometown of Cary, North Carolina. Born on January 25, 1952, in Bogotá, Colombia, Ivan was the beloved son of Aparicio Galindo and Blanca Cárdenas de Ranghel. When Ivan was six years old, his father's work in forestry research brought the family to the United States, where Ivan would grow up and make his lifelong home.
Ivan earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Transportation Management, from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Business and Public Administration from Southeastern University in Washington, D.C. He went on to build a distinguished 25-year career as a Senior Software Application Development Analyst at IBM, where his expertise was instrumental in implementing SAP systems. Ivan was also proudly listed as an inventor on the patent titled "Method, System, and Program Product for Managing Fulfillment of Orders." Following his retirement, Ivan's lifelong passion for learning inspired him to pursue his dream of studying law, culminating in his certification as a paralegal through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He was known for his steadfast work ethic and deep dedication to his family. Even on weekends, he would rise before dawn to complete his projects so he could devote the rest of the day to his loved ones. Ivan worked tirelessly to ensure his wife and children could thrive and build strong, fulfilling lives. He took particular pride in supporting his children's education, helping them with university applications, and encouraging them to pursue their goals with confidence and persistence.
Ivan also had a lifelong love of cars and road trips. He delighted in planning family vacations, often spreading out AAA maps to chart the perfect route. With his careful preparation and sense of adventure, he took his family on memorable journeys across the United States, from Niagara Falls to Los Angeles to Florida, creating moments filled with laughter, discovery, and togetherness. In later years, he and his wife, Susana, shared a love of traveling abroad, exploring the beauty and culture of Europe together and treasuring those experiences side by side.
Affectionately known as "Ato" by his grandchildren, he often said that his favorite role in life was caring for them. Those who knew Ivan will remember his gentle spirit, quiet strength, and ever-present kindness. Even as he faced Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia in recent years, his grace, humor, and love for others never faded.
Ivan's greatest joy was his family, especially his devoted wife, Susana Solano Ranghel. He is survived by Susana; his children and their spouses Francisco Ranghel, Caroline and Blake Ashley, and Carlos and Allison Ranghel; his five cherished grandchildren: Cristina Ashley, Julian Ashley, Leo Ranghel, Penelope Ranghel, and Selena Ashley; and his sisters, Binhita Korwin and Diana Hernandez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aparicio Galindo and Blanca Cárdenas de Ranghel, and by his mother-in-law, Susana Niño de Solano.
A Mass celebrating his life will be held on Monday, November 3, at 11 a.m., followed by a procession to his place of rest. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/?form=19983&tribute=true) to support ongoing research and the search for a cure.
Ivan's life was a true reflection of integrity, love, and curiosity. He embraced each day with gratitude and purpose-working diligently for his family, finding joy in exploration, and offering kindness to everyone he met. His legacy endures through the family he cherished, the values he instilled, and the many lives he touched with his generous heart.