Dr. Ralph Ilian Touma

Dr. Ralph Ilian Touma of Prospect, KY, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 1, 2022. He was born in Damascus, Syria to Ilian and Emilie Touma on December 16, 1942. He attended high school at the Lycée Français in Damascus and medical school at the University of Damascus. He then moved to the United States in 1969 to pursue his specialization at Pontiac General Hospital in Michigan, followed by his orthopedic residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago. For more than 40 years, Ralph cared for thousands of beloved patients as an orthopedic surgeon in Ashland, KY. His love and respect for the art of medicine was understood by all who knew him. He retired to Naples, Florida, then moved to Louisville in 2021 to be close to more of his family. A man of great curiosity and intellect, he loved learning about history, listening to opera and classical music, and traveling the world.
Above all else, Ralph took great pride in his large and loving family. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Rita Touma; his children, Yano Touma (Betsy), Leyla Touma Dailey (Nate), Dr. Carol Touma, Nicole Le Gall (Ronan), Emilie Touma, Isabella Touma; his stepchildren Joshua Kistner and Amber Criswell (Troy); his 15 dear grandchildren (plus one on the way); his sisters Asma Callas, Mouna Nachman, and Samia Dada of Damascus, Syria; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Ilian and Emilie Touma, and his baby daughter, Lara Touma.
The visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 6 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at St. Michael Orthodox Church 3701 St. Michael Church Drive in Louisville, Kentucky, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. The burial will be private.
Ralph cared deeply about his community and was known for his charitable contributions.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shriner's Children's Hospital in Lexington, where he volunteered his time.
Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes To Remember".