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Joseph Ratta Obituary
A beloved father, grandfather, and uncle, he was a tireless entrepreneur, developer, athlete, and mentor. He founded Della Ratta Inc. & Commercial Management Company in 1970. These businesses were responsible for dozens of construction projects and real estate ventures around the nation.
His numerous contributions to philanthropic causes included the National Italian American Foundation, Virginia Hospital Center, Church of the Holy Rosary, and his Alma Mater, the Catholic University of America (CUA), where he also served on their Board of Trustees from 1981-1986.
In his four years at CUA, he became one of its most decorated student athletes in school history, excelling on the basketball court, on the track, in the boxing ring, and on the baseball diamond. The last man to earn letters in four sports, he was made captain of the basketball team as a Junior. In his graduating year of 1953, he was awarded CUA's Harris Cup, the most coveted athletic award the university offers.
In the decades since graduation, he has supported CUA's Raymond A. DuFour Athletic Center, the Busch School of Business, home of the Della Ratta Auditorium, and the renovation of Maloney Hall.
He is survived by three of his four children, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Raphael; daughter-in-law Charlene Gamba Della Ratta; eight grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved companion Sheila Bechert. His former wife Faye (Williams) Della Ratta currently resides in Arlington, VA. Numerous relatives of his parents Joseph M. Della Ratta Sr. and Mary (Varrichio) Della Ratta reside in the New York area, as well as Rome and Milan, Italy. He is predeceased by a son James, and his siblings Jean (Della Ratta) Ferraro, Catherine (Della Ratta) Brimmer, and Ralph Michael Della Ratta.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on September 27, 2024 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, on the campus of Catholic University, 400 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington DC 20017. A reception will immediately follow 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage Hall, also on the CUA campus.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his name to Virginia Hospital Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ratta
Jerry Jones
December 3, 2025
I was just speaking about Mr. Della Ratta to someone yesterday, he was a very wise man and I miss him terribly.
Amy Ellis Hauser
March 2, 2025
It was such a privilege to get to know Joe and his beautiful family. - Amy Ellis Hauser
Katherine Molinet
October 10, 2024
We share in your and our loss of an outstanding man and friend
Ted and Kathy Molinet Drum
How you can show support
Jerry L. Carbone
September 21, 2024
Enjoy the final rest and peace. Thanks for the kick start and 53 Plymouth.
Jerry L. Carbone
Shanna M Dick
September 21, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Doug Badertscher
September 18, 2024
It was a privilege to get to know Joe and learn from his vast knowledge and experience. Sharing business and life stories left a significant impression with me. Eating Pizza and ice cream with regardless if it was DC, Vail or Cabo... we laughed together and enjoyed the blessings of life. You are missed.
Doug and Jamie Badertscher
Lynn Holowesko CBE JP
September 18, 2024
Joe has been a dear friend since our days at Catholic University of America, and a life-long friend of my brother, Eugene Pyfrom, who pre-deceased him. May he rest in eternal peace.
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