Ralph was born the son of Victor and Cecilia (Skibinski) Macks in Detroit, Michigan on August 11, 1940. He graduated from St. Catherine Catholic School, class of 1958, and went on to play football for St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University). He married Mary Ann Moore on May 7, 1966, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Highland Park, Michigan. They were blessed with two children, Ralph and Rebecca. Together they built a life rooted in love, fun, and family. Ralph and Mary Ann were also lifelong Detroit Lions fans and proudly held season tickets for more than 50 years. Sundays spent cheering on the Lions were a treasured tradition filled with loyalty, laughter, and lasting memories.
Ralph proudly served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, an experience that sparked a lifelong love of boating and being on the water. Whether navigating the Great Lakes or relaxing at the family cottage in Port Austin, Ralph found peace and joy on the water and treasured the memories made there with his family.
For 45 years, Ralph worked as a State Farm Insurance Agent, where he was known for his reliability and genuine care for his clients. Helping others was not just his profession, but a true reflection of who he was.
Ralph cherished time spent with his family, especially at the cottage in Port Austin. He loved being at the beach, playing “kooky golf” with his grandsons, and attending their sporting events. Whether cheering on Patrick at hockey and lacrosse games or watching Ethan and William play baseball, Ralph was always there, beaming with pride. Being a “Papa” to his grandsons was one of his greatest joys.
Ralph is survived by his children, Ralph (Cindy) Macks of Oxford, Michigan, and Rebecca (Eric) Hartill of Hoover, Alabama; his beloved grandchildren, Patrick Macks, William Hartill, and Ethan Hartill; his siblings, Gerald Macks and Gary Macks; and his spoiled grand dogs, Buster, Bauer, and Sparky. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Cecilia Macks; his beloved wife, Mary Ann Macks; and his siblings, Judith Reevesman, Harold Macks, Victor Macks, Eileen Alessi, and Kathleen Tresick.
A private Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s honor to the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit, Michigan online at www.rmhc-detroit.org.
