He was born on January, 23, 1937 in San Angelo, Texas to Rafael M. Zamarippa and Jesusita Losoya Zamarippa (Jessie).
Ralph attended Lake View High School and graduated with the class of 1955. He later went on to obtain a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Education from Sul Ross State University.
Before attending college, Ralph enlisted in the Army, becoming a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Band at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was also a paratrooper.
Ralph was a band director for 57 years, to include Van Horn High School, Van Horn, Texas; Fort Stockton High School, Fort Stockton, Texas; Lincoln Middle School, Abilene Texas; Jim Ned High School, Tuscola, Texas and Wall High School, Wall Texas.
In 2007, Ralph was inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame, by the Texas Bandmasters Association in San Antonio, TX.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Ralph M. Zamarippa, his mother, Jessie Zamarippa, his brother, Rudy Zamarippa, and his two sisters, Rosalie Zamarippa and Rachel Elkins.
He is survived by his children-- Rae Zamarippa Guarino, Ralph M. Zamarippa III, and Ruben C. Zamarippa. His former wife, Adelina Zamarippa. His grandchildren—Ralph M. Zamarippa IV, Jessie N. Zamarippa, Lewis R. Guarino, and Joelle R. Guarino and his partner Katrina Story.
A viewing will begin at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, June 17, 2021 with a rosary to begin at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Johnson’s Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, San Angelo, TX, on Friday, June 18th at 10:00 a.m.
The family would like to thank Shannon Medical Center Emergency Room.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com
