A kind and enlightened man who shared selflessly.  An inspiration in incalculable ways carried in time by human hearts.  With Gratitude at this moment for such a presence.


I will always be grateful to Sensei for his commitment to teaching and for his exemplary spirit. He will be missed by many.

Lit a candle in memory of Ralph M. Chiaradia

Taking the stairs down into the basement and then moving through the small handmade, wooden door into the room with a large white training mat and white wash walls my posture would instantly straighten as I and everyone gathered upon the mat to get ready for class at Connecticut Aikikai. Who knew that in the south end of Hartford, on a street of residential homes –basically in the most unlikely of places one could find the heart of Aikido.

Both the family of Ralph Chiaradia and the Aikido community at large have lost a great man.

My ongoing column in ‘Aikido Today Magazine’ was titled “Off the Mat” because of the teaching that I learned from the man I was privileged to call “Sensei”. 

His belief that one should practice Aikido, while also engaging in activities outside of the dojo, was exactly what my younger self needed to set off on her own journey.
Due to Sensei’s encouragement and blessings, I started my own dojo 25 years ago. I was able to confidently teach and write a successful curriculum on managing violence safely with the roots of Aikido deeply embedded into the lesson plan without having to flash the words “I am a martial artist”. 
If you met Sensei on the street, you would never think there goes a badass dude who I want to tangle with. He was as unpretentious as could be, a model for all who studied his teachings. On the mat he was as graceful as a swallow in flight.

I became an avid fan of saltwater fishing due to this man. He pushed me to my limits yet again when we headed out in the wee morning hours to go fishing. There we were standing in the dark waters of Long Island Sound unable to see each other, with only the crash of the waves behind us. What would I do if I needed help? Sensei was born deaf, so surely he could not hear me whimpering “The blues are all around me snapping!” And yet, there he was with an uncanny sense that defied the able bodied listeners telling me to cast out further to reach the stripers.

Sensei left behind a legacy of kindness and the teachings of Aikido that reach beyond the physical plane. I am forever grateful that I was his student. I will continue to bow in honor of him as I step both on and “off the mat”. 

Doumo arigatou gozaimashita Sensei

Ria

Jackie,
You and I have been good friends forever.  I am so sorry for your loss.  My prayers are with you always.
Much love,
Mary

Jackie and family,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Al & Sheryl DeMeo

As one candle can light 10,000 other candles, you may be able to lead people everywhere in the world to a brighter, more cheerful existence"" 
Tohei Sensei,  Aikido  The Arts of Self Defense

Ralph was an unforgettable influence on my life.  I first walked into his Aikido dojo a young man searching for answers to some big questions.  Little did I know the roles he and his daughter would play in my life and the life of my friends.

He was an inspiration and model of dogged persistence. He was someone who worked for the benefit of others by doing something that he loved.  

I would later introduce his daughter Joanna to her future husband Dave. I would end up living,working, and playing with that family for a good portion of my 20s. They all rubbed off on me in ways that I can still recognize today.

I think what I remember most fondly about Ralph is that he created a community for a bunch of bright, idealistic misfits. He deserves our thanks, appreciation, and acknowledgement that such places are deeply important for all of us. Having a place like Ralph's Dojo\basement can make all the difference in the world.  Thank you Ralph.

Junior, you and I were raised together as brother and sister.  We had our good times and the last few years not so good. Your mother (my Grandmother) Margaret and Joanna your daughter must of summed you to them because they loved you so much.  the best times we had was the cottage full of your parents Ralph & Margaret, your sister Terry(her son Evan your only nephew and all the Chiaradia and Guadagno familes  that were invited for weekend stays of food and fun.  Your favorite niece that you have called me many of times - of course I am the only one.  Haha.  Lucy Margaret Gaudiana Tine.

I am so shocked and saddened to hear this news.  I met this man and my life was changed forever.   So sorry for you all in his immediate and extended family.  God bless and God rest his soul.

OBITUARY

Ralph M. Chiaradia

8 October, 1931 – 18 May, 2016

D'Esopo Funeral Chapel

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