Ralph E. Vitiello

1936 - 2021

Ralph E. Vitiello
November 30, 1936 - November 1, 2021
Sacrameto, California - Ralph E. Vitiello, former architect and community leader, passed away peacefully at Sutter Hospital. His wife, Sue and their children, Julie Vitiello Swanson (Todd) and Louis Vitiello, were at his side. Born in Sacramento to Ida and Louis Vitiello, Ralph was a second – generation Italian. He graduated from McClatchy High School in 1954. After the school day, he worked for a printing company to save for college.
In 1958, Ralph graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in Architecture. Upon returning to Sacramento, he worked for Ray Franceschi as a draftsman on the Shepard Garden and Arts Center project. April, 1964 was a milestone month for Ralph, as he was married, awarded his architectural license, and formed a partnership with architect, Joe Angelo. The fledging firm rented a former barbershop on 24th and J and worked on small jobs remodeling homes and small offices.
With their Italian heritage, talents, and determination, their firm of Angelo-Vitiello grew. A former warehouse on 19th and H Street was purchased and remodeled for use as their office.
Resolved to establish a presence in Sacramento, Ralph formed a consortium of local architects to pursue the award of designing the Sacramento Theatre and Center. This project launched his career, which led to designing the Community Center Expansion.
As Vitiello + Associates grew, other notable projects were developed – Old Sacramento restorations, Eskaton Village of Carmichael (a National Award), Placer County Material Recycling Facility, Rideout Hospital, Marysville, campus of California Franchise Tax Board, City of West Sacramento City Hall, and other notable projects of architecture and interior design. Ralph was in business for 45 years and had a thriving firm of architects and designers. In 2000, he merged with DLR of Phoenix/Omaha, which needed a respected local architect at the helm and Ralph assisted the transition before he retired.
In addition to his profession, Ralph was involved with his community in several organizations serving as officers, working on committees, and taking on the responsibility of Board Presidents. He was chosen Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1969 and was awarded 1986 Small Business Man of the Year. Once retired, Ralph was able to spend quality time with the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. The railroad had provided employment for his family and other Sacramentans and was a centerpiece of the city. There was the lure of the magnificent engines and cars that needed care and restorations. He was also concerned that the shops be protected so they could be appreciated for future generations.
Ralph was not all work. He had an appreciation of antique cars, sport cars and Formula One racing. He loved all things Italian and enjoyed wines that he shared with good friend (and dominos nemesis) Frank Merlo. With no more buildings to design, Ralph turned to growing tomatoes. Each year he would save some seeds and grow new plants, and he took great pride in growing the largest tomato. Friends and neighbors were beneficiaries of his production.
Ralph made a difference in the lives especially of the young architects, designers and staff in his office. He took time to reach out to everyone with his generous smile and encouragement to let them know that he cared about their contributions.
However, in the end, his greatest joy was his family and his grandchildren: Alec, Jake and Camyrn. The last trip he took this past summer was spending a week in Monterey with his family – walking the beach, dinner at the wharf, and solving an escape room game together.
It is fitting that the Mass and memorial service for Ralph will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church which he designed, located at 660 Florin Road, on Friday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. The Church and Memorial Center require the wearing of masks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the California State Railroad Museum, Family Promise or a charity of your choice.