Ralph Walter Farley Jr.

Ralph Walter Farley, Jr. was born on February 6, 1949, in Hammond, Indiana. He was the youngest of four children born to Ralph and Beaulah Farley. Alongside his siblings—Sally, Linda, and Kathy—Ralph’s childhood was filled with laughter and an unyielding passion for sports. From a young age, Ralph always had a ball in his hands. It didn’t matter the size or kind—he was bouncing, throwing, kicking, spinning, or rolling it around. His remarkable agility and eye-hand coordination often placed him with older, bigger players, where he proudly held his own, despite numerous scrapes and injuries.

Ralph’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Quinlan. Their first date, hiking through the foothills of Colorado, ended with Dorothy swinging her wet socks around like propellers to dry them—a sight that had Ralph laughing and instantly falling in love. They were married on July 30, 1977, in City Park, Denver, Colorado. Together, Ralph and Dorothy shared a beautiful journey full of music, outdoor adventures, and joy. They built a warm and loving home in Conifer, Colorado, where the family would gather for celebrations full of music, laughter, and sled rides in the snow.

Ralph and Dorothy were the proud parents of Jill, Samantha, and Katie. They cherished spending time with their grandchildren, Abigayle, Grayson, and Kira, and with their great-grandson, River. Ralph’s legacy of love, humor, and dedication is something they will carry with them forever.

An accomplished entrepreneur, Ralph co-owned a local corner store called Munchies on East Colfax and an office furniture company, Office Furniture Exchange. He had an exceptional work ethic that he passed on to his daughters. Ralph’s colleagues and business partners remember him as dependable, hard-working, and endlessly entertaining.

Ralph was a man of many passions. He loved the outdoors, whether it was hiking in the mountains or casting a line while fishing. He was an avid softball player and carried on his family’s wrestling tradition. But perhaps more than anything, Ralph loved quoting movie lines, telling jokes, and making people laugh. His quick wit and playful spirit made him the “Life of Every Party” and endeared him to everyone he met.

Ralph’s friends described him as a “Brother.” He maintained lifelong friendships with his college fraternity brothers from Phi Delta Theta and the Longballers softball team. He had a rare gift of forming deep bonds and was a friend that could always be counted on.

Ralph had a deep love for music, especially the Rolling Stones, and he enjoyed writing his own songs and poems. His warm, contagious smile, his hardworking hands, and his bright blue eyes are forever etched in the hearts of those who knew him best.

Ralph Walter Farley, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and light. His free spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering kindness will continue to shine through the stories, memories, and laughter of his family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend—and he will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Ralph. You were and always will be, the Life of the Party.