Ralph J Sciutto

Ralph J. Sciutto 84, joined his wife Alice June as he entered The Lord’s rest on Fri. June 21, 2013. His health had become a concern to his children in early 2013 and he was staying with his eldest son Michael and his family when he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Family and friends rushed to his bedside as he was moved to Hospice in Mike and Sandra’s home. His passing, 16 days later was blessedly peaceful. Ralph experienced the greatest joys of life, the unconditional love of God while being surrounded by his 5 children and their spouses, many grandchildren, a few great grandchildren, his sister Alice Carmen of Florida, and dear friend Jeanette Hendrickson of Marana. Ralph was filled with good humor, laughter and wisecracks until the very end.

Ralph was born on May 18, 1929 in Hackensack, NJ where he graduated from Bogota High School in 1947, active in sports he began learning the restaurant business working summers at Bear Mountain Inn in New York State. He remained close to many friends, especially in recent years through HS reunions and emails. Ralph proudly served in the USMC and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, where he met Alice on a weekend pass in Los Angeles. Honorably discharged in 1953, he remained loyal to the United State of America all his life. Later graduating from Woodbury College with a BS in Business and moved to Tucson, AZ with wife Alice, to begin a business and raise their family.

Ralph and Alice Sciutto labored together to build and operate Ralph’s Rancho Restaurant in NW Tucson for over 20 years. They extend their most sincere gratitude for the many years of loyal customers. Together they loved and raised 5 children, Mike, Tim, Alice, Caroline and Francine. All of whom graduated from FWHS between 1972-82 with the exception of Francine, who graduated from Paradise Valley HS in 1988 in Phx. They supported the FW Sports programs, serving many meals to visiting teams and hosting numerous Victory Pizza parties over the years. Ralph moved the family to Phoenix in 1982. He had become an owner/trainer of thoroughbred race horses and wanted to race at Turf Paradise, where he “even won a few good races” he would joke. He was passionate about his cooking, horses, golf, politics and the gardens he would grow.

A Celebration of Ralph’s life will be hosted on October 4, 2013 at 9:00 am at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022 with the Burial following at 11:00 am National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phx, AZ 85024. Flowers are appreciated or in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Center.