Ralph Anthony Viado

Ralph A. Viado, age 86 of San Diego County, passed away from heart failure at Palomar Hospital in Poway on April 28, 2025. He was born in Corregidor Island (near Cavite), Philippines in 1938 to Eusebio Viado who died serving in the US Army during World War II (when Ralph was only three years old), and to Filomena Viado, née Raot, who raised Ralph as a single mother and eventually passed away from natural causes. Ralph grew up in Taytay, Rizal, Philippines. He graduated from the University of the East in Manila with a degree in Business Administration and joined the U.S. Navy in 1961 until retiring in 1981. Among the awards received for his service include the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. After retiring from the armed forces, Ralph worked with the U.S. Postal Service for another 20 years.

Ralph met the beautiful, Corazon “Cora” née Sison, in 1965. It was love at first sight for him! They married on August 21, 1966, and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Viado moved to California, U.S. to start their endless love story.

The young couple couldn’t wait to start a family of their own. They had one child after another, beginning with Connie Viado Uht, followed by Ronnie “Ron” Viado and then Rommel “Romm” Viado. His family meant everything to him. Having come from humble beginnings, Ralph was determined to pursue the American dream. Through hard work, much sacrifice and determination he achieved more success than he could have imagined and proudly raised three children who ultimately grew up to become a Juris Doctor (licensed to practice law), a computer engineer and a businessman, respectively.

Eventually, he became a grandfather to four sweet grandchildren, who endearingly call him “Papa”. These include Juliana Viado, Abigail Viado, Donatello Viado, and Kaitlyn Viado.

His faith was important to him. As such, he was a regular attendee and active member of the San Rafael Catholic Parish in Rancho Bernardo.

Ralph will always be remembered for his dancing, especially the Latin dances. Known for his creative and innovative choreography of his and Cora’s dances, he also loved teaching others how to dance. Known for their elegance and talent, they were often asked to perform at social gatherings and special occasions. Ralph and Cora, fondly known as CoRalph, often dressed in bright matching dance outfits for their performances. It really was like watching something out of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’

Also, Ralph will be remembered for his love of sports, talking and watching professional sports. He loved social gatherings and spending time with family and friends where he was often found smiling, laughing and telling jokes. When he and Cora entertained guests in their home, he was a consummate host taking care to ensure all were well fed, felt welcome and loved.

We really couldn’t have asked for a better husband, father and grandfather. Ralph will be missed every day until we see him again in heaven. He is survived by the love of his life, his faithful and devoted wife, Cora, and his three children and four grandchildren. His memory will also live in the hearts of his many Kumpares, Kumares and friends. Please join us as we bid Ralph, so long, for now:

• Viewing to be held on Thursday, May 29th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at El Camino Memorial, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road SD 92126

• Funeral mass is on Friday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. at San Rafael Parish, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

• Followed by a committal service at 1:15 p.m. (arrive at 12:45 p.m.) at the Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122

• Reception to follow (TBA)