Ralph Phillips

Raffael Philipe Prezioso "Ralph Phillips" was born on June 26, 1915 to Alesandro and Rosa Prezioso in Bisceglie, Italy and immigrated to the United States at the age of five. After spending seven years in Worcester, Massachusetts he and his family relocated to Fresno, California.

Ralph is a 1934 graduate of Edison Technical High School in Fresno as well as a Fresno Philharmonic alumni where he began playing First Chair Violin at the age of 17.

In 1941 Ralph enlisted in the US Army and joined the 16th Field Artillery Battalion and served his country in Europe during WWII. During his service Ralph earned the Good Conduct Medal, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal and two Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged in October 1945. After his discharge from the Army, Ralph continued his work for our country as a civilian employee of the US Army at the Presidio of San Francisco as an Inside Plant Supervisor until he retired in 1972.

In 1969 Ralph moved back to Fresno with his wife Helen and his daughter Lynne, while he commuted to the Presidio. His son Wayne stayed in San Mateo with his family.

Ralph's beloved wife of 49 years preceded him in death on May 28, 1998. In addition to his wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his three brothers, Dan Preston, Frank Prezioso and Mike Prezioso.

Ralph is survived by his children, Wayne Stathas and his wife Armida as well as his daughter Lynne Rabe and her husband Jeff. He is also survived by his grandchildren Philip Stathas and his wife Julie, their children Daniel, Nicholas and Ryan. David Stathas and his wife Lisa. Shane Gunn and his wife Bianca and their children Marisol and Isabella. Ralph will also be missed by his sisters Ann Reckas and Toni Kampling as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be held at Cypress Lawn, Colma, Ca on Friday, June 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.