Ralph Sol Spiro

Ralph Sol Spiro, born in Brooklyn, New York on January 19, 1930 to immigrant parents from Poland, passed away peacefully in Vermont on August 21, 2022 at the age of 92 years following a period of declining health.  A retired psychiatric social worker and lover of classical music, Ralph was an intellectual with a wry sense of humor who thoroughly enjoyed robust discussions of politics and world affairs.  He was a devoted husband and father of four who treasured time spent with family and relatives, particularly delighting in his grandchildren's unabashed expression of curiosity, joy and affection.    

 

A polite and studious child growing up during the Depression in Brooklyn, New York, Ralph excelled in every subject and boasted a beautiful voice that touched the hearts of many.  As a boy, he sang in choirs and numerous weddings--rubbing elbows with Robert Merrill, Jan Pearce and Richard Tucker.  Although he aspired to be an opera singer, too, his passion for serving and counseling others prevailed. Ralph's concern for those who were impoverished and needy led him to become active in politics and civic affairs.  Eventually, he pursued a career in social work.  After graduating from City College of New York and then earning his Master's degree in psychiatric social work from Columbia University, he would serve in the army (stateside) during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Ralph was employed full-time by Essex County Guidance Center in East Orange, and years later would also practice privately. Ralph was regarded highly by his colleagues, patients and clients for his keen perception, integrity, intelligence and rare sense of responsibility--always remaining professional and never missing a day of work in his 35 plus years of dedicated service. Ralph was eventually promoted to Chief Psychiatric Social Worker at Essex County Guidance Center, and remained in this position until his retirement.  

 

In 1957, Ralph married his loving wife, Yvette (Aronson) Spiro where they spent most of their 63 years together residing in their Rockaway Township, NJ home.  Together, they raised their four children, and as a family enjoyed many summers camping and exploring beautiful and unique places throughout Canada and the U.S. including numerous national parks.  Ralph was in awe of nature's gifts---from hillsides blanketed in wild flowers to the majestic stature of the Rocky Mountains. These vivid and joyful memories would continue to be a source of inspiration to him as he reminisced about his wonderful adventures to his children, grandchildren and friends throughout his final months.

 

During his leisure time throughout the years, Ralph enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, hiking local trails, listening to classical music, attending operas at the Metropolitan Opera House and plays on Broadway, reading the New York Times daily from cover-to-cover, cheering tirelessly for the New York Yankees, exercising at a nearby fitness center, and gathering with loving relatives during holidays and other special occasions. Described by many as warm, intelligent, witty, diplomatic and social, he thoroughly enjoyed connecting and conversing with people of all backgrounds and interests, and striking up thoughtful and lively conversations with others wherever he was, whenever he traveled.

 

Compassionate and generous, Ralph supported a variety of charities---ranging from nature conservancy organizations to non-profits that aided people who were less fortunate than him.  Ralph also held leadership roles with his synagogue and United Jewish Appeal.  In addition to a lifetime of service, Ralph (along with his wife's help and insight) was instrumental in helping to change a NJ law pertaining to the treatment of and educational approach to teaching special needs children in the NJ public schools.  This was a remarkable feat.

 

Ralph is survived by his son Mark Spiro of CA (wife Amy), daughter Wendy Spiro Abedon of VT (husband Bruce), son Douglas Spiro of NJ (wife Tara), son David Spiro of NJ; grandchildren Brian Abedon (wife Lauren), Evan Cassidy, Liana Abedon, Gianna Spiro, Caitrin Abedon and Landen Abedon; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was predeceased by his wife, Yvette (Aronson) Spiro, in 2019, his sister Beatrice (Spiro) Salata, in 2016, and his nephew, Steven Salata, in 2018.  A celebration of Ralph’s life will be announced at a later date.  Addio.

The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit ww.csnh.com.